When I first enrolled in the UGAUGA ELC – English Language Communication (ELC) program at the University of Georgia, I was terrified. Like many internationals, speaking English in front of others was my biggest fear. But I knew improving my communication skills was essential if I wanted to succeed academically and professionally.
UGA ELC
Little did I know that with the support of UGA ELC, I would not only conquer my public speaking anxiety but grow to love expressing myself confidently in English. In this article, I want to share how the ELC program helped me transform from a shy, insecure student into someone who now delivers presentations with ease. My story may help others facing similar challenges.
Starting at Square One
In my first few weeks at UGA ELC, I was overwhelmed with insecurity. Everything from introducing myself in class to answering simple questions made me cringe with fear. To make matters worse, one of the first assignments was an icebreaker speech! My heart raced just thinking about standing in front of my classmates.
However, the teachers at ELC created a nurturing environment where it was okay to feel nervous. They normalized anxiety and encouraged us to focus on gradual exposure over perfect performance. Doing low-stakes, short icebreakers in a supportive space helped me start building confidence bit by bit.
READ: VSCO Search
Learning Communication Fundamentals
In the ELC public speaking course, I learned techniques for overcoming fear like meticulous preparation, positive self-talk and relaxation exercises. We covered basic skills like speech organization, verbal/nonverbal delivery and using presentation aids. Having a structure and feedback from instructors took the guessing game out of speeches.
I also gained valuable insight into U.S. classroom culture through observational assignments. Presenting became less daunting as I understood audience expectations better. ELC created a safe environment to practice these skills repeatedly without judgment for mistakes.
Speaking on My Terms
One thing I loved most about ELC was choosing speech topics I was passionate about. Sharing personal interests and experiences through my own cultural lens felt more natural than rigid topics I didn’t care for. Speaking on my terms boost my confidence exponentially.
My favorite speeches discussed places I’ve lived, Korean food, and K-Pop music. Classmates found these windows into my world fascinating. Seeing others engage with my interests fueled my desire to speak up more. I started volunteering for impromptu topics too just to keep the fun going.
Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone
While I gained comfort speaking to small ELC classes, I still doubted myself for larger group presentations. But additional public speaking courses at UGA pushed me further by simulating real-world scenarios. I delivered a persuasive speech to 30 classmates, an informative speech using PowerPoint for 50 students, and even participated in a panel discussion before 70 people!
Each new challenge chipped away more of my fear. Debriefs from instructors and peers focused on strengths rather than weaknesses. Their continual encouragement motivated me to take bigger risks, like entering the ELC Speech Contest my final semester. Stepping so far outside the box left me feeling incredibly proud.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Despite progress, occasional bouts of self-doubt would creep back in. I struggled with common issues like thinking others were inherently better public speakers. ELC counselors helped me identify these unhelpful patterns of “imposter syndrome” thinking.
We explored concepts like every speaker feeling nervous at times, differences in communication styles being valuable, and how experience builds mastery over many years. Reframing setbacks as learning opportunities, praising effort over perfection, and celebrating small wins fueled my resilience.
Today I still get butterflies before big presentations. But recognizing anxiety as normal human emotion, rather than a failure, allows me to channel nerves positively. I owe so much of my growth to UGA’s nurturing ELC community.
Life After ELC
Since graduating the ELC program, I’ve delivered presentations for internships, led team meetings at work, and even gave a Ted Talk-style speech! While public speaking will likely always make me a bit jittery, I no longer let fear paralyze me from opportunities. My communication skills have opened professional doors I never imagined.
I still use techniques learned at UGA ELC like maintaining eye contact, speaking with confidence and incorporating humor to engage audiences. The extensive practice and feedback instilled lasting habits that boost my career. I’m grateful for instructors who believed in my potential and empowered me to find my public voice. My message to others is that with time and guided support, you truly can overcome anything holding you back.
Conclusion
I want to reiterate that overcoming your fear of public speaking is absolutely possible with perseverance and the right support system. The transformative experience I had through UGA’s ELC program shows that, given a nurturing learning environment, even the most shy individuals can bloom into confident communicators over time.
While anxiety may always linger to some degree, recognizing it as normal and redirecting energy into preparation has allowed me to turn what was once my greatest weakness into one of my strongest skills. My hope is that others can also find the courage within themselves to face their fears head on.
With each small step outside your comfort zone, you’ll gain self-assurance that will carry you to greater places in life and work than you ever thought possible. Have faith in your abilities, be patient through the process, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’ve got this!
____________________________________________________
FAQs:
How long did it take to become comfortable speaking English?
It was a steady process over 2 years of full-time study at UGA ELC. Major breakthroughs happened each semester as I built experience step-by-step with their guidance.
What was the hardest part of the ELC program?
Pushing myself way outside my comfort zone, like competing in the Speech Contest, was incredibly scary but taught me so much about my capabilities.
Did you ever feel embarrassed while speaking?
Absolutely, I made mistakes sometimes too. But realizing my worth wasn’t based on perfection helped me move past errors gracefully.
How do you continue improving now?
I regularly practice informally with friends/family, take occasional Toastmasters classes, and push myself by taking on new types of public roles yearly. Continual growth keeps it fun!
What advice do you have for others struggling?
Have compassion for yourself, celebrate small wins, and find supportive communities like ELC that enable you to develop at your own pace. With time and experience, you’ll amaze yourself at how far you’ve come.
