My Take on Leadership

Written by: Ashley Curvelo

Introduction: Embracing the Unknown

Have you ever challenged yourself to do something completely out of your comfort zone? For me, taking on a managerial role in a public speaking class was different than my usual self. I’m someone who doesn’t yet have a clear path in life, unsure of what I want to do, or even what my passions and hobbies are. This experience wasn’t just about fulfilling a role in class; it was a personal quest to learn more about myself, to see if I’d discover something new about my capabilities or preferences.

When my teacher asked for a volunteer to take on the managerial role, my first reaction was an immediate and firm "No." It seemed like a daunting task, which was perhaps why no one else stepped up. One woman briefly expressed interest, but the silence that followed was almost deafening. In those thirty seconds of hesitation, I had a realization. If I wanted to grow and step out of my comfort zone, this was the perfect opportunity. So, I raised my virtual hand and took on the position, even though I was afraid, nervous, and excited all at once.

Finding My Way into this Unfamiliar Role

To be honest, I didn’t have a clear understanding of what the role entailed at first. The semester had just begun, and my responsibilities were unclear. However, things became more manageable when I found a document outlining my tasks. This structured approach eased my anxiety, and I began to settle into my new responsibilities.

 

In the first class, my fellow manager and I divided up the work through text messaging. I took on the role of delivering conclusions to the presentations, while she handled the introductions. Slowly but surely, I started to enjoy the role. I was responsible for taking attendance, reviewing the chapters before the presentations, and making sure everything ran smoothly.

When group presentations began, I was ready to listen, evaluate, and assist the teacher as needed. It felt good to contribute, to provide feedback, and to help my classmates improve their presentations. However, I quickly realized that giving constructive criticism wasn’t as easy as I had thought.

The Challenge of Giving Feedback

One of the hardest parts of my role was offering feedback, especially when it came to constructive criticism. I’ve always been someone who finds it difficult to criticize others, even when it’s meant to help them improve. It was particularly challenging when students read directly from their slides without showing much understanding of the material. Despite the well-written slides, I often wondered if they had truly internalized the content or were merely reciting what was in front of them.

 

This issue highlighted the importance of effective public speaking, which involves more than just reading words aloud. A good speaker conveys trust and knowledge through their tone, body language, and engagement with the audience. The way information is presented plays a crucial role in how it’s received and trusted. Too many filler words or lack of confidence can make the audience question the speaker's expertise.

 

At first, I was afraid to voice my concerns. I didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings or come across as overly critical. But then I reframed my thinking. I wasn’t giving criticism to be mean; I was doing it to help them grow. When I realized this, my fear started to fade. I began offering feedback in a way that focused on areas for improvement, like practicing more without relying on the slides or deepening their understanding of the material.

 

I also reminded myself that this was just one class in a single chapter of my life. Even if someone perceived me negatively for giving feedback, it wouldn’t define me. This mindset shift allowed me to grow, even if only a little.

Growing Confidence and New Skills

Over this short period of time, I noticed a shift in my confidence. Speaking in front of others became easier with each presentation I facilitated and every piece of feedback I provided. My role as a manager also taught me how to juggle multiple tasks effectively. I had to be organized, focused, and attentive during each class, as my responsibilities directly impacted my grade. But beyond that, it taught me the value of listening—really listening—and paying close attention to detail.

 

What started as an intimidating task became a rewarding experience. I learned that I am capable of managing a position like this, and that realization boosted my self-esteem. It might seem like a small achievement, but it was significant to me. The experience forced me to think more quickly, manage my time better, and approach tasks with a higher level of focus.

Lessons Learned: Advice

If you’re reading this and feel hesitant about stepping out of your comfort zone, I’d like to offer some advice based on my own experience.

1. Embrace New Opportunities

   Whether in class or in life, take up new roles and responsibilities when they come your way. You might find that these challenges suit your personality and skillset more than you expected. Sometimes, the roles you avoid out of fear are the ones that help you grow the most.

 

2. Do Your Work Wholeheartedly  

   Whatever task you take on, approach it with the mindset that you’re going to learn something valuable from it. When you invest effort and positivity into your work, you get more out of the experience, both in terms of knowledge and personal growth.

 

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Fail

   Failure isn’t something to fear. I’m not suggesting you purposely fail tests or assignments, but take risks in areas that pique your curiosity. It’s okay to be bad at something when you first start. What matters is that you try. You’ll either learn a valuable lesson or discover a new strength you didn’t know you had. 

Conclusion: The Power of Stepping Out

Stepping out of my comfort zone by taking on this managerial role in a public speaking class turned out to be a rewarding experience. It helped me grow as a person, improve my communication skills, and build my confidence. It’s a small step in my ongoing quest to learn more about myself and the world around me, but it’s one I’m proud of.

 

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure of your path, take a risk. Try something new. You never know what you might learn, not just about the task at hand, but about yourself.