Beginnings in the world of presentations can be challenging. Good speakers and presenters often started off weak or average. For some, one might even say they were such "anti-talents" that public speaking seemed like the last thing they should ever pursue.
Dr. Ray H. Hull is a perfect example of this. An American scientist specializing in communication, and the author of numerous books on communication, the art of speaking, and personal development, Hull has stuttered since childhood. His stuttering was a stigma that seemingly excluded him from the world of professional speakers.
Hull recalls a story from school: in first grade, the teacher asked the class to introduce themselves in front of everyone. Each student was supposed to stand up and say a few words about themselves. When his turn came, Hull stood up and could only manage to say: "ma... ma... ma... ma... ma...".
Hull froze and couldn’t even finish the sentence, which was supposed to be: "My name is Ray." He quickly sat down, covered his face with his hands, and burst into tears.
For many, such a traumatic experience would completely close the door to developing as a professional communicator. However, there are those who overcome these early traumatic experiences and even use them as motivation to tackle their weaknesses.
This is where the two titular paths come in: after initial failures, some people completely withdraw from this path. Others, however, move forward with much greater determination.
Hull was one of the latter. He began attending public speaking workshops, read extensively on the subject, and practiced. A few years later, he participated in a state public speaking competition. He won it, becoming the first person from his school to do so.
So, if you feel that you’re struggling with presenting, believe you lack the aptitude, or are convinced that public speaking isn’t for you, remember the little boy who, trying to say even a single word, withdrew into himself—and then, a few years later, won a competition for the best speaker. What separates these two moments?
Work, work, work.
Piotr Garlej
