Courses
I’ll be honest with you. When I saw “Public Speaking” on my class schedule, my first thought was, “Well, that’s a requirement I just need to get through.” I pictured stiff speeches, nervous sweat, and an audience of bored faces. I believed it was a skill for politicians and CEOs, not for someone like me.
Boy, was I wrong.
A few weeks into my class, I had a revelation that completely shifted my perspective: I had seriously underestimated the power of public speaking.
This wasn’t just a class on how to talk in front of people. It was a crash course in one of the most important skills you can ever develop to progress in life. It’s not about perfection; it’s about connection, clarity, and confidence. And that confidence doesn’t just stay on the stage—it seeps into every part of your life.
Here’s what I’ve learned so far, and why I’m now convinced everyone should give it a try:
1. It’s Not About Speaking; It’s About Thinking.
The first thing my teacher drilled into us was that organizing a speech is really about organizing your thoughts. To explain an idea to others, you have to understand it inside and out yourself. This process of structuring your message—having a clear beginning, middle, and end—is a superpower. It makes you sharper in meetings, more persuasive in conversations, and better at tackling complex problems. You learn to cut through the noise and get to the point.
2. Confidence is Built, Not Born.
I used to think the people who were good at this were just “naturals.” I’ve learned that’s a myth. Confidence on stage is a direct result of preparation and practice. Every time I stand up, feel the nerves, and get through it, I’m proving to myself that I can do hard things. That little win builds up. That voice in your head that says, “I can’t do this” gets quieter and is replaced with, “I prepared for this, and I’ve got it.”
3. Your Voice Has Power (And You Deserve to Be Heard).
Many of us go through life with great ideas, opinions, and solutions but we keep them to ourselves. We’re afraid of being wrong or sounding silly. Public speaking teaches you that your perspective matters. Having the floor, even for just five minutes, forces you to claim your space and share your unique voice. The world needs your ideas. This class is teaching me how to share them effectively.
4. It’s the Ultimate Networking Tool.
Forget awkward small talk at mixers. Being able to speak clearly and passionately about what you know is the best way to connect with people. It makes you memorable. It builds trust. Whether you’re pitching a project, leading a team meeting, or just sharing a story with friends, the ability to engage an audience is magnetic. It opens doors you didn’t even know were there.
So, if you’re on the fence about taking a class and joining a group like DTI Group, I’m here to tell you: Do it.
Don’t wait for a mandatory class like I did. Seek it out. Embrace the butterflies. Yes, it will be uncomfortable at first. Your hands might shake. You might lose your place. But you will survive it. And then you’ll do it again, and it will be a little easier.
I’m still a student, far from a perfect speaker. But I am already a more confident thinker, a more engaged listener, and a more effective communicator. I’m learning to stop underestimating myself.
This isn’t just about learning to speak in public. It’s about learning to show up in your own life.
Your voice is a tool. It’s time to sharpen it.
