Why I’m Volunteering to Speak in Public (And Why You Should Too)

English wasn’t my first language—despite being born and raised in the U.S. My family really wanted me to learn their native tongue, so it wasn’t until I hit school that I actually started learning English. I distinctly remember the struggle—there was a lot of crying involved. If you’ve ever tried to learn a new language as an adult, you know what I mean. It’s like trying to untangle a knot that’s been there for years.

If you ever meet me in person, you'll quickly discover that I’m a bit of a potty mouth. Seriously, I have a knack for dropping monosyllabic words in every sentence. I’m talking about the kind of language that would make your grandmother clutch her pearls. No, I’m not proud of it—but it’s who I am. I'm looking at you Gary Vee.

It’s funny, because even my closest friends are completely shocked by how diametrically different my writing is compared to the way I speak. I know, "diametrically different" sounds a bit fancy for someone who drops "f-bombs" like they’re going out of style, but stick with me here. Writing me is like meeting a different version of myself—a version that actually knows how to string together more than three words without sounding like I just stubbed my toe.

In conversation, I tend to keep things short, sweet, and, well… colorful. You won’t catch me waxing poetic about the wonders of the English language mid-chat. Nope, I prefer to keep it casual and direct. If I need to get a point across, I’m gonna say it with all the impact of a wrecking ball—no fluff, no filler.

It’s as if my brain says, “Okay, we’re not speaking to a live audience here, so let’s try to sound…you know… smart.”

I know, I know. It’s a little odd. But hey, I’ve learned to embrace my quirks. I might sound like a sailor in person, but my writing voice is a different animal. Sometimes, it’s nice to have that extra layer of polish, especially when you’re trying to actually communicate a point.

So, while I may not win any awards for my sparkling conversation (unless there’s a category for "Most Likely to Make You Blush"), I like to think my writing makes up for it. After all, who says you can’t be a little bit of both? The best part is, I get to be me in both worlds—whether it’s dropping a joke with friends or writing a blog post that’s polished but still has a touch of realness.

Because of that, I’ve always been much more comfortable with writing than public speaking. Give me a keyboard and a glass of wine, and I’m in my element. I love having the time to let my thoughts marinate and then shape them into something that makes sense (and looks decent). Don’t even get me started on spell check and grammar functions—I sometimes feel like my computer knows more about punctuation than I do. Seriously, I can spend hours tweaking a single sentence just to make sure it flows like smooth peanut butter.

But put me in front of an audience? Different story. Suddenly, my palms turn into waterfalls, my brain turns to mush, and all I can think is, What was I going to say again? And don’t even mention eye contact—while I’m up there, my nerves are doing a full-on salsa dance.

Public speaking, to me, feels like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. Sure, it could go well, but there’s definitely potential for things to go horribly wrong. I much prefer one-on-one chats or small groups where the pressure’s off and I can focus on real connections without the fear a spotlight might make me spontaneously combust.

If we only stick to what we’re comfortable with, we miss out on growth. And you know what? I’m all about growth. That’s why I’ve decided to embrace the discomfort and start volunteering for more public speaking opportunities. Yes, you heard that right—I am stepping up to the mic, ready to make my mark (and hopefully not pass out).

I’ve been inspired by some amazing instructors I work with who seem to have public speaking down. They make it look effortless. Seriously, I’ve watched them hold a room’s attention with just a few words, and nobody’s even checking their phones... much! How do they do it? I need their secret sauce.

What I’ve learned so far is this: public speaking is a skill, just like anything else. And like any skill, it gets better with practice. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about connecting with your audience, engaging them, and making them feel something. Whether you’re speaking to a classroom full of students or a small group of colleagues, it’s not about you—it’s about your ability to communicate and share ideas.

I know—I sound like a motivational speaker right now, don’t I? But seriously, even though it feels uncomfortable, pushing myself to do more public speaking is already paying off. I’m slowly (read: very slowly) building my confidence, and I can now grab the mic without feeling like I’m about to faint. Progress, right?

So, if you’re like me and the thought of speaking in front of a crowd makes your stomach flip, here’s my advice: Just go for it. Volunteer for that next speaking opportunity. Yes, it’s scary at first, but trust me—being a little uncomfortable now will lead to big rewards down the road.

And hey, even if you completely bomb, at least you’ll have some hilarious stories to tell. Because really, what’s life without a little chaos, a little courage, and a whole lot of personal growth?