If you’re anything like me, you probably want to take full advantage of your college experience. Personally, this means joining campus organizations such as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Chamber Singers and the staff for The Vermilion. Little did I know, there was another group that I would soon belong to.
Last spring, I learned about UL Lafayette’s Speech and Debate team and joined almost immediately. Like many students, I wasn’t aware we had a team, but I was incredibly eager to be a part of it in any way I could. I have always been interested in the subject, but my high school didn’t have a club. So, when I got an opportunity to join, I did so without hesitating.
Starting something new always comes with its challenges. At first, the world of speech felt a bit overwhelming. There were so many new terms and events that I had never heard of before, but I was welcomed with open arms. Although I had experience with public speaking, I felt like a fish out of water when it came to the learning curve of speech tournaments. The team spent time helping me prepare for my first tournament for several weeks.
I signed up to compete in the first tournament of the season at Texas State University in both informative and impromptu speaking.
An informative speech requires the speaker to prepare a nine-minute piece on a current topic. This was definitely in my comfort zone, as I have competed in many similar competitions through 4-H and National Beta Club. I understood what preparation for this event would entail, and I was confident I could do a good job.
However, I was required to step out of my comfort zone when I competed in the impromptu event. For this event I had 15 seconds to choose between two quotations and a-minute-and-a-half to write a standard, five-minute speech. I’ve never participated in any competition like this, so the pressure was on, especially as I watched participants who were more experienced than me.
This was incredibly challenging, but also a lot of fun! What seemed so intimidating at first actually became one of my favorite aspects of the competition. I have always been a creative person, and once I let my imagination take over, the speech came together seamlessly. Well, maybe not seamlessly, but it was definitely easier.
This experience taught me many things about myself, as well as the way I should approach all new challenges. I learned to rely on the experience I have, rather than wishing I knew more. It can be tempting at times to compare oneself with others who may appear more successful.
The important thing to remember in these moments of comparison is that everyone’s journey looks different. As it turns out, my life experience is valuable in many ways that this competition brought to light.
One of the major skills required to be successful in speech is confidence. A competitor must be able to communicate to both the audience and judges in a way that affirms whatever they are speaking about. This skill does not come naturally to many, I know it did not come naturally to me. Speech has been a great way to find my voice and practice presenting information I have gathered confidently.
I also have gained lots of experience in the field of research, a skill that is needed today more than ever. Through each level of my education thus far, I have discovered more love for researching topics. I find the task of researching similar to a treasure hunt or a mystery that must be solved. Being a part of this team has given me a network of people who share my love for research and have provided me with help when I need it.
Aside from improvements in my presentation and communication skills, I feel as though I have entered a new family. The support of the team has been so helpful as I rehearse and refine my speeches. When I walk out of a competition room with doubt on my face, one of my teammates is always there to reassure me. Remembering our road trips, late night dinners and constant laughter, I am so grateful to be part of this family!
I have learned so much from this group and I am so thankful to be a part of the team! Speech may not be everyone’s hobby of choice, but I believe there are elements of this subject that each person can learn from.