Public speaking is a term I am extremely uncomfortable with. Interviewing someone who has given speeches in front of audiences is a very useful tool to disprove my fear. While I don't currently know anyone who is required to give speeches regularly as part of their job, I know one woman who gives speeches frequently enough that she feels she can learn from her experiences. Mary Harding is my mother-in-law. He works at Glotfelty Tire Center in Elkins, West Virginia. She hosts a car care clinic for women who want to learn the basics of car care where she has to give speeches in front of a medium-sized audience. He also gave a speech as a mentor for The MountaineerChallenge Academy. Last but not least, he often gives speeches for the Relay for Life organization to which he donates his time and efforts. During my interview, I asked Mary a series of questions to learn from her experiences giving speeches. The first questions I asked Mary were pretty simple. I started with how often he gives speeches. His answer was 3-4 times a year. I asked her if she used notes during a speech and she said, “Yes, all the time.” I also asked her if she currently feels comfortable speaking in front of an audience and she responded with a simple “Yes.” The next question I asked was about the speech preparation process. I asked Mary how she prepares for a speech. His response was that he intensively researches the topic beforehand. After doing his research based on the topic he is presenting, he takes notes to follow during the speech. The final stage of preparation is to practice your speech alone or in front of a small audience made up of...... middle of paper...... so as not to embarrass, scare or upset other people speaking in front of them. We can take care of it. You may be nervous, but you don't have to be disabled in front of other people." Practice is important in preparing a speech, but we must practice the right things in the right way according to Stephen E. Lucas. Through my interview with Mary harding I learned that public speaking is not something to fear. The more a person practices the activity of public speaking, the more comfortable he becomes. I have also learned that taking notes after the speech is important to deliver the best possible speeches in the future His experience giving speeches for his car care clinic, Mountaineer Challenge Academy and Relay for Life has given me the motivation and confidence to excel in the business of public speaking..