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Well done you for giving public speaking another try (perhaps there were a few other times in between?)!!! And for sharing that difficult embarrassing experience. I’m sure many people could relate even if they don’t let you know.

I am also someone who has deeply fumbled in a public speaking moment. Several times. But I’m still here and still alive. Who knows when the next opportunity to speak publicly will present itself, and who knows whether I will stumble or speak gracefully and clearly (I’ve done both)? I’ll just have to do it and see.

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Thank you for sharing this painful, humiliating moment with us, - most of us, complete strangers. It was so raw, poignant.

You could have described me from about age 9, - it was a recurring pattern throughout a good chunk of my earlier life. Your writing about your earlier self made me cringe. It took me right back to that time standing in front of the class, my face burning, stumbling through a word salad.

Thank goodness for mentors . . . I had mine too, - and it made all the difference.

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heartfelt - thank you

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