The most successful people in the world have one thing in common with each other, or at least one similar quality that they all possess. This thing that they can all share is called the ability to speak with great confidence in front of a group of people. In other words, they've all mastered public speaking. According to a Chapman University survey of Americans' fears, public speaking ranks number one, with 25 percent of Americans saying they are afraid of speaking in front of a crowd. That said, there is no doubt that most people have some apprehensions about speaking in public or in front of a group of people. Whether in front of family members or strangers, being the center of attention and being in the spotlight can create a level of stress that not everyone can handle. However, it is likely that we will rise to the occasion or be put in a position where we have to speak in front of people. Whether at work in a meeting, conference, community gathering or family event, your time to shine will come and if we seek to become our interpretation of success, it is vital to master the public speaking. Say no to plagiarism. Get a Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay When we are young, most of the opportunities we have to practice or the first exposures we have to public speaking are relatively easy , but they help lay the foundation for what we can expect in the future. Some examples are leading the school in the morning Pledge of Allegiance, giving a class presentation, show and tell, and/or in a recital. However small these revelations may be, they help lay the foundation for public speaking and manage the individual's ability to not freeze under pressure when in the spotlight. Mastery of public speaking is essential for success and leadership. As children, some of us gain additional practice while being given a leadership position within a sports team or group, for example a scout club. Those little inspirational speeches we give as a group right before a big game or to a company of scouts at the annual summer camp help us become successful speakers. As we progress through life, these chances and opportunities become more common. Many group speeches become individual and the level of importance of public speaking becomes increasingly emphasized by our teachers. In high school, some educators assign speeches, poems, or other forms of writing homework that become public speaking in front of classmates and sometimes even in front of the school. It is at this stage that many individuals begin to have a phobia of public speaking, as social perception is essential to the many relationships, statuses, or images that minors attempt to maintain or develop. Self-consciousness and doubt become more apparent and visible; the body senses physiological and physical changes like increased heart rate, sweating, and stuttering. It only takes one time of failing at public speaking to completely turn you off and walk away from it altogether. In middle school or any post-primary education, public speaking becomes more and more constant. Even if someone chooses to enlist in the military like me, there is no escaping public speaking. At some point in your career, you will acquire a certain..