As of late, the head of the Japanese puppetry troupe I’ve joined has made a point to brag about me then force me to speak publically in front of a room of Japanese people on several occassions. He wrote me a letter of recommendation for the JET Program, for which I am very grateful for, yet while speaking publically in English doesn’t bother me so much anymore, speaking publically in Japanese is nerve-wrecking. What’s worse is that several hours later, after the shock of of having to say something in Japanese in public has subsided, I then realize what a great opportunity I’ve missed by not saying more. If anything these past 3+ public speaking nightmares has strengthen my resolve to actually seriously study Japanese, among other things. I want to be the JET who came in knowing little to nothing and come out not only with more knowledge of Japanese language and culture, but as a better person.
That being said, tomorrow I’m off to Nagano City to the new ALT Welcoming Reception, where I’ve been chosen to give a speech in Japanese on behalf of all the new ALTs… At least this time around I have a speech prepared that has been checked and edited by about 4 different Japanese people and my Japanese professor. Still, it’s nerve-wrecking.
