Ffla Speech Analysis

The doors swung open and the girl walked out and said “They’re ready for you now.” I was terrified, my palms sweating, and my stomach turning. I was about to give my first FCCLA speech over multiple types of common cancers to a panel of four judges. I didn’t know what to expect, I just knew I was presenting a project to the judges. My speech was aimed to inform and raise awareness over cancer and to demonstrate multiple ways I had taken the action to do so. I had never given a big speech with any meaning before, I knew what I had to say but didn’t expect much more than that.

FCCLA was the first organization I got heavily involved with as a freshman in high school. I decided to a Star Event as a way to be active and speak out over something

As I walked into the classroom at a high school I had never been to, the environment was still and the room felt cold. As I looked to the panel of judges, all four ladies had what looked like a fake smile plastered to their faces. Once I began my speech I noticed the smiles fade and the seriousness of the topic set in. As I explained to them the meaning of the project and why I choose cancer the two of the judges really looked sad. I then proceed to speak about how my goal is to help raise awareness so hopefully fewer people have to go through the rough times not knowing if a loved one would make it. As I finished my speech I realized two of the judges were crying. When they gave me feedback they told me that the words I spoke had so much meaning behind them, and were so genuine they could connect with the sadness in the words said. The other judge also happened to have had family member impacted by cancer. Once they had read through my file folder, all judges were emotional. They told me that “Your words on paper were just as powerful, if not more, than when you spoke. You have inspired all of us to help raise awareness.” That was the day my outlook on public speaking and writing changed.

Since that day my freshman year, I have realized just how powerful the words we speak and write can truly be. As I continued to give more speeches and write articles, the power I felt grew. I gained