One down three to go!

I just finished delivering my first speech in Japanese to the 100 teachers of my main school! It was nerve wracking and I think I slaughtered the beautiful Japanese language but everyone laughed and clapped so I think they were at least pleased at my attempt. This was a good practice run for the much longer speech that I have to give to the entire school of 1200+ students on Monday during the opening ceremony. I am so nervous I could die. I hate public speaking and to do it in another language that I have never spoken before is incredibly daunting, and there are sooooo many people! I just want to get it over with because it will consume my thoughts until it is over. But the torture doesn't end on Monday, I have to give two more speeches to the staff and students at my second school`s opening ceremony on Tuesday. I also have to give about 15 lessons just to introduce myself to the kids. It has been a challenge to create a full 50 minute lesson where I talk about myself because I don`t think I am all that interesting but hopefully they will enjoy the games I have come up with. Since these lessons will be in a classroom setting I am not nervous about these ones. But the other speeches I have embarrassing nightmares about.


The teachers were poking fun at me because one of the things that I am teaching is public speaking and debate. I don`t think I am the best person to teach this subject matter considering I become a hyperventilating, sweaty, blabbering mess when I have to speak in public. Hopefully I can get my pronunciation just right and they will think I`m cute and forgive me for any mistakes I have made. That`s how I have gotten through most of my life...my high pitched sweet voice can get me out of virtually any situation.


Wish me luck!!