Tabletopics and Ladies’ Speeches

You glance around you and see multiple faces staring at you with looks of interest. Your heart races—your stomach seems to be dancing inside of you. You take a deep breath, prepare yourself, and begin…

This is the rush that I and so many people experienced during camp. AYC gives several opportunities for campers and staff alike to openly express their opinions and experiences through speeches and Tabletopics sessions. While participating, I was able to witness the anticipation that the ladies felt, as well as see how they grew in confidence as time progressed.

I personally felt that the environment of both Tabletopics and the speeches were more comfortable than that of a school classroom. At AYC, the audience is always friendly and encourages the speaker—something special not generally experienced at school.

During Tabletopics sessions, campers and staff answered multiple questions that varied from favorite colors to personal injuries. The question of who preferred cats to dogs received several responses, and in the end, I can gladly report that dogs won.

Other questions were aimed toward daily living. One in particular was very helpful, and I am glad it came up in the discussion. It was in reference to meals that could be prepared in a very short amount of time. I am sure this question was beneficial to all of the young ladies in the room.

The first of two speeches given during camp was the “Icebreaker.” During this speech, you are given two minutes to explain as much about yourself as possible. Though several of the ladies were nervous, it was thrilling to see how all of them stood in front of the group and spoke despite their fears. I also was very nervous, but was surprised that for the first time in my life I was actually excited to give my speech, instead of dreading it.

Because I had already given an Icebreaker speech last year at AYC, it was a bit of a challenge to develop new material for this year, though it all worked out in the end. One part of the speech class I especially enjoyed was seeing everyone’s confidence. Even those who were terrified stood their ground and continued their speeches with encouragement from peers.

The next week, the ladies delivered “Interesting Experience” speeches. Campers and staff were given approximately five minutes to describe a specific event in their lives to the audience. I really enjoyed this because it brought forth amazing stories that might not have come up in personal conversation. To hear what people have done and have been through simply boggles the mind, and gives you a new sense of respect toward the speaker and what she has experienced.

By speaking at AYC, I have learned to trust the audience and know that no matter how much I stutter and stumble, they will still respect me and what I have to say. It is clear that all of the speakers learned to become more comfortable and confident.

A large part of the Interesting Experience speeches was the emotion that flooded its way through the speakers to the audience. It was clear that everyone put their whole hearts into their speeches as the memories came rushing back. On every single face I saw two things: concentration and determination. One speaker, who had a little trouble during her Icebreaker speech, returned with increased confidence and spoke like a true professional. Another became so wrapped up in her speech that I almost began crying with her.

Overall, I was very impressed with what everyone was able to do and overcome. I am thankful that I was able to participate in this event.

One final addition to the public speaking experience was five impromptu speeches given by four campers and one staff member. In an impromptu speech, a speaker is given a random topic and allowed 60 seconds to prepare a two-minute speech on the subject. This was a very humorous and successful event, and it was inspiring to see people who gave them overcome their fears.

Though public speaking is nerve-wracking, all of the ladies came together and spoke with confidence through the Tabletopics and speech sessions. I know we all came away from them with increased confidence, and every participant can look back on them with a smile on their face. I know I will, and I can’t wait to see what will happen next year!