The Last Word
By Oliver Garden | Posted: Tuesday July 25, 2023
Fear.
Fear is defined as an unpleasant feeling triggered by the perception of danger, real or imagined. To be honest with you boys, I am absolutely terrified to be speaking today. However, fear itself is the driving factor behind me delivering this Last Word. I hope I can make you think about the role fear plays in your own lives, and how you can make small steps to overcome it.
Most of you will be thinking, what am I doing up here delivering a Last Word? Considering I’m not a prefect, nor a leader by any means, I’m left wondering the same thing. However, last night, through instagram dm of all things, I was presented with the opportunity to take on this speech, and decided to take on the challenge, mostly because it conveniently counts for my English internal that is due next week.
When the message about this Last Word first flashed up on my phone, I immediately thought no way, not me. I’ve always had a dislike for public speaking, something that I have actively avoided. The last time I delivered a speech was in Mr Barry’s Year 10 English class.
Although the opportunity tempted me at first, the fear and anxieties of what others would think haunted me. Would I be laughed at, made fun of, and embarrass myself in front of the entire senior school? These worries of what others may think of me has been a barrier since I arrived at OBHS. Present a speech in front of the class? How about a podcast instead? Have some input in a convo with my mates, nah I reckon I’ll just stay quiet instead. I had become a shell of myself, worried about voicing my opinions, in fear of being judged. This fear is what inspired me to make a change.
This constant worrying over how others perceive me, and what they think of me has limited the opportunities that I have taken. Accepting this speech is a way for me to take a step outside of my comfort zone and push through this barrier. Instead of avoiding the challenge, I'm confronting this daunting opportunity to take a risk, something I’m not fond of doing.
Everybody cares about what others think of them to some degree, whether they admit it or not. Because humans are social beings by nature, we crave connection and relationships with others. It’s a part of what makes us who we are. Wanting to fit into a community is normal, but seeking validation and obsessing over others' opinions of yourself is detrimental to your own individual growth. The fear of being judged causes people to avoid situations where they may be in the spotlight or vulnerable. It can cause you to lose the confidence to voice your own personal identity and values, leading you to become less, you.
Our actions and words can have a profound effect on others, particularly on younger lads. So, remember either positive or negative, taking a moment to think before you speak can make all the difference. We are also our own harshest critics, so don't forget to be kind to yourself once in a while. You deserve it.
Had I dismissed the chance to do this speech and let this opportunity slide past I would have stayed the same, living constantly in the fear of others’ opinions of myself, letting it control my actions and the risks I would’ve taken. However, by embracing the discomfort this speech has given me, I am taking a step forwards. Although it might be small to some, I hope it’s enough to encourage others to do the same, to let you know that you too can overcome your own fears, no matter how daunting it may seem. Also, to let you know that we often suffer more in our own imagination than we do in reality.
In true Otago Boys' fashion, I would like to end with a quote from David Icke, “The greatest prison that people live in is the fear of what others think." Doubt will kill more dreams than failure ever will, so take that leap and push your boundaries. It’s better to have tried and failed, than to have not tried at all.
