My first elocution competition

I was forced to participate in the elocution competition by my English teacher. The topic was, ‘Make hay while the sun shines’.

Memorizing the essay was more difficult than writing it. I practiced hard in front of the mirror imagining the mirror was my audience.

On the day of the competition, I approached the podium nervously. Suddenly my hands were cold and sweaty and my mouth was dry. I opened my mouth to speak but nothing would come out. I felt like all the boys were jeering me. I closed my eyes and imagined myself in front of my mirror and then opened my eyes and began to recite my essay. After a few lines, the sweaty feeling disappeared. I even began enjoying myself. I actually made eye contact with the audience. I was amazed at how easily I recited the essay. I did not get a prize, but I learned a big lesson that day. Everything seems difficult until you try it once.