It was 4 hours before the most awaited division contest 2022. I was one of the humorous speech contestants and for the first time, I was going to face the live audience at this level of the contest. This year our division had planned to have it in the hybrid mode.
Suggestions
After recording my rehearsal speech for the 28th time (believe it or not :)), I came out of my room to see a few eager faces.
My 11 year old came running to me and said, "Amma shake your hands this way, when you talk about 'Black Pink'. It is their signature move"
My husband said, "When you talk about our younger one's eating habits, keep your mouth exactly the way she keeps. It will emote laughter among the audience"
My mom came quickly with a pair of long ear rings and said, "This gold stud is not going well with your western outfit. Wear this."
My 4 year old also wanted to add on to the excitement, "Amma don't talk in Tamil, you will be disqualified" (LOL)
Area Director and Club Members
When I reached the venue (Ford - Medavakkam) with my husband, I was surprised to see a bunch of members from my club who were as excited as I was and were eager to cheer me up during my speech. Our area director came all the way to encourage me. My husband stayed with me until the end. I was elated by the unconditional support and encouragement from people around me.
With my husband
With my club members
A Solo - credit to our area director for the pic
With our area director and a good friend of mine TM Madhupriya
With the other contestants
Humorous Speech Contest 123
When my name was called, I went up to the stage and looked at the audience. The pressure started building up. I was asked to say "Humorous speech contest 123" for testing the mic. I may not be able to articulate the way I felt exactly at that moment. Nevertheless, let me try.
1. My heart felt as though it was going to jump out and run away from me. Any one standing next to me would have heard my palpitations.
2. I felt butterflies in my stomach.
3. I could feel the famous adrenaline rush I have read about several times in books. I could literally feel the urge to 'fight' :)
4. My throat was dry.
Inspite of all this, my 28 times of rehearsals helped me to retain my confidence. To be honest I was secretly enjoying this adrenaline rush.
I finally started my speech. None of my rehearsal speeches had that high energy level I exhibited on that day. The adrenaline rush is definitely helping ;). I was glad that most of my jokes did not fall flat. I enjoyed giving my speech as much as the audience laughed and enjoyed during those 7 minutes.
Power of Public Speaking
The most exciting part of public speaking is that you have the power to make the audience laugh, cry or bring about any emotion. I am sure that the 10 speakers managed to make the audience forget all their sorrows and laugh out loudly like a child.
Results
In the end the results were announced and my journey stopped with division level this year. By that time all the participants became good friends and we congratulated each other. Unlike last year (on zoom), this year was more exciting due to the live audience and their instant reactions and appreciations. I realised that the biggest boost for a performer is the 'sound of applause' from the audience.
Self Reflection
Finally I reached home at 10 PM. Though my family was slightly disappointed, I managed to cheer them up. When I went to bed I asked myself,
"Will I compete again in the next contest?"
"Yes I will!"
"Why?"
"That adrenaline rush is addictive!”