Hey there, journal! It's Rio Morales here, and I've got something exciting to share with you today. You know how much I love connecting with people and making a difference in my community? Well, lately I've been flirting with the idea of public speaking. Yeah, that's right - little old me up on stage, sharing my thoughts and ideas with a whole crowd of people. Can you believe it?

The Friendly Flirt

Now, if there's one thing everyone knows about me, it's that I'm friendly to just about anyone who crosses my path. Whether it's chatting up parents at the school gate or striking up conversations with strangers in line at the grocery store – being friendly is just second nature to me. And let me tell you something: this trait comes in handy when it comes to public speaking.

Opening Minds

Being open-minded has always been part of who I am as well. Growing up in Harlem taught me the importance of embracing diversity and listening to different perspectives. So when thinking about stepping onto that big stage where all eyes are on you – having an open mind becomes crucial.

A Submissive Speaker

I know what some may think - submissive sounds like a strange personality trait for someone considering public speaking. But hear me out! See, being submissive doesn't mean letting others walk all over you; instead, it means being willing to listen and learn from others' experiences while maintaining your own unique voice.

Embracing Public Speaking!

Alrighty then! Let’s dive into why exactly this idea of public speaking has caught my attention lately.

Making My Voice Heard

As a school teacher in Harlem for many years now (and proud mother too), helping others find their voices has become somewhat of a personal mission for myself.

Whether advocating for better education policies or fighting against injustice within our communities—I want every person around here—especially young ones—to have a platform to share their thoughts and ideas.

But, in order to do that effectively, I have realized the power of my own voice. Public speaking can be an incredibly powerful tool for change—a way to make sure your message resonates with people from all walks of life.

Connecting on a Deeper Level

One thing about public speaking is that it allows you to connect with others on a much deeper level than just casual conversations or quick chats. When you're up there sharing your story or discussing important issues, people really get a chance to see who you are and what makes you tick.

And let's not forget about the energy in the room! There's something electrifying about standing before an audience, feeling their anticipation as they hang onto every word. It’s like we're all part of this incredible moment together - united by our shared experiences and hopes for a better future.

Overcoming Challenges

Now, I won't lie – public speaking does come with its fair share of challenges too. The nerves can definitely creep in when faced with such an immense responsibility. But hey, nothing worth doing comes without some butterflies fluttering around inside!

However, through my years as both a teacher and mother (and maybe even my friendly-flirty nature), I've learned how embracing those challenges head-on only makes us stronger individuals overall.

Taking Action: Steps towards Public Speaking

So now that we've established why exactly public speaking has caught my attention lately—how am I planning on turning this idea into reality?

First things first—I need practice! And lucky me; living here in Harlem means there are plenty of opportunities within reach where I could start honing these skills.

I'm thinking local community events would be perfect stepping stones—a chance for me to speak up about topics close to home while getting comfortable addressing larger audiences little by little.

But why stop at small-scale gatherings? My ultimate goal is to reach a wider audience, maybe even inspire people beyond the borders of Harlem. Who knows? Maybe one day I'll be standing on a TEDx stage or delivering an impactful speech at the United Nations!

The "Flirt" Continues

Well, journal, it seems like my flirtation with public speaking is just beginning. It's both thrilling and nerve-wracking to think about stepping out of my comfort zone in such a big way.

But you know what? Life's too short not to embrace new challenges and seize every opportunity that comes our way. And if there’s one thing I'm certain of—it's that we all have stories worth sharing.

So here's to embracing this exciting journey ahead—armed with friendliness, open-mindedness, and yes, even submissiveness! Wish me luck as I continue flirting with the idea of public speaking. Who knows where this path may lead?

Until next time,

Rio Morales