The Early life of Dr. V. K .Saraswat - Fighting stage fear

My position demands quite a lot of public speaking and addressing events and conventions, and other such public events. Almost often, I get invited to speak at the dais, facing the audience and the cameras to give my opinion or something, to speak of a decision made or to announce plans made by the body I’m currently associated with.

I must say, that I’ve come to see it as a privilege today more than I did years ago, where I would tremble at the very thought of having to speak in front of an audience.

It’s but natural, I think, for when we’re children to be afraid of public speaking. Some call it stage fear, some say “you’re a shy child” when we refuse to perform in front of relatives who come home while sometimes, you’re just a taciturn of sorts.

Stage fright may be a small issue while growing up, but later often manifests itself in many ways - you may not be an active participant in college activities, you may not be very confident in job interviews and you may not be the person of choice for that upcoming promotion in your firm because you couldn’t deliver that presentation in front of that huge group… not to deviate from the actual point here, stage fright was an issue for me as well.

At the age of 11, I was admitted in Class IX in Jiwaji Rao Higher Secondary School where my father was also working as a teacher.

I was given admission in this prestigious school because I had stood first in Gwalior District in the Class VIII examination.  Expectations from all quarters, viz., teachers, Principal and even senior students were very high.  My parents expected me to do extremely well not only in academics but in all other extra-curricular activities.

Within 6 months of joining the School, our School organized a debate competition on the subject “Science and Religion”. 

My father being the strong motivation in my life that he is, insisted that I should participate.  I was reluctant but could not communicate my inner feelings to him.  A day before the competition my father gave me some tips in favor of the subject which I noted down in detail.  During that session he even quizzed me and I could answer most of his questions.  He was convinced that I would do well.

And then finally, arrived the day of the debate. Our School Seminar/ Conference Hall were full of students and teachers.  My friends started telling me about the competence of our seniors. There were talks about how good each one is and some serious doubts started forming in my head.

It was minutes before my performance was due. To be nervous would be an understatement of my emotions at the time. I was pretty sure that whoever else was involved in the conversation would all be better than me.

 So how did I perform in the first serious debate of my life ? Stay tuned to the next part of this blog to read more on my experiments with stage fright in -The Early life of Dr. V.K.Saraswat.