Bellarmine Senior Gives speech in Washington D.C.

As a freshman sitting in Public Speaking 101, I never imagined I would be would be asked to give a speech in Washington D.C. during my senior year. 

I recently returned from Washington D.C., where I gave a speech on the Envelope Manufacturers Association's blog, www.paperviews.org, regarding the future of paper-based communication.

I began blogging for EMA in February of this year. I was hired as an independent blogger to increase awareness of the green aspects of the paper industry and the important role paper plays in our society.

My speech took place in the State Room of the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel in downtown Washington D.C. Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep the night before. I had to give my speech at 8:40 a.m. and rehearsal began at 7 a.m. Of course, I was the last one to speak. Sitting on stage, facing the audience and listening to the other speeches was a little intimidating. However, when it was my turn, I stood up, prayed I didn't trip and headed toward the podium.

Was I nervous? Yes. However, I set my nerves aside for 20 minutes and gave one of the best and longest speeches in my life thus far. I didn't lose my place or stumble on my words. The audience even laughed at one of my jokes! This is where all of those speeches I had to give in public speaking class paid off.

When the speech was over, I wasn't able to breathe a sigh of relief. After my speech concluded, the 30-minute question-and-answer session began. I was even more anxious about this part of the session than the speech itself. Luckily, I was only asked two questions, which I was able to successfully answer.

The audience was full of approximately 100 chief executive officers', top level managers and other EMA members associated with the paper industry.

After the session concluded, everyone was extremely nice and came up to meet me. They said they enjoyed my presentation and that I did a great job. Some said I had secured my career and they couldn't wait to see what I did in the future. This was a major relief because writing a 20 minute speech wasn't easy. I spent many long nights creating and perfecting my speech, PowerPoint and handout. I practiced it in front of professors, speech classes, and my parents.