So, my speech wasn't entirely true. I was shy when I was younger. But I did have friends. But I was shy. In fact, public speaking used to be extremely difficult for me. My voice would go monotone. I would play with my hair, my pocket, my paper. My hands would shake. I would pick a spot on the wall and stare at it the whole time. However, two things changed that The first thing, was doing a pageant a few years ago. It helped me think about public speaking, as acting instead. And I love to act. The second was pledging AKPsi, the coed business frat. After doing to much intense public speaking there, especially on the spot, I've learned to deal with the pressure. I think that everyone did a great job. I could tell a few people were nervous, but they still carried it through.
I liked doing speeches. I think writing it out helps to organize your thoughts, and speaking it outloud means you need to separate your thoughts with pauses and hand motions. After practicing so much, it gets ingrained into your mind where ideas stop and start. For me, I was able to think straight in Japanese, without first putting it in English.
The oral interview was a bit frustrating for me, because I kept on trying to say things that I didn't know how to say. For example, I started to talk abotu the sports I did in high school, and then realized, how on earth do you explain what Crew is, in Japanese. It's motivation to keep learning though until i can explain everything i want.

I think speeches and the oral interview were a good way to end the semester. Now, if only there wasn't a final as well....Good luck minasan!