Nearly everyone has had to speak to an audience before. But it’s especially difficult when you’re a shy person.

The endless struggle to rehearse

Writing and committing the entire speech to memory is one hell of a job. You begin to rehearse in the shower, mirror, on the road, and everywhere.

The urge to run away when it’s time to take the stage

At this point, you’re thinking, “Why did I agree to do this in the first place?”

You get on the stage and the crowd looks like a pack of wolves

All eyes are on you, and you begin to quiver.

You forget your lines

This is every speaker’s worst nightmare. Everything you memorised vanishes.

The crowd starts clapping in a bid to encourage you

Thank you all. You’re the real OGs.

Then the mic stops working

Now you have to rely on your voice. 

And someone from the back tells you to speak louder

It’s not your fault. Nonsense.

It’s time for questions and contributions

At this point, you’re just happy the difficult part is over.

Then someone’s contribution is longer than your speech

Why didn’t you just give the speech yourself?