How I Became a Public Speaker - George Bernard Shaw

Introduction:
 In this prose Bernard Shaw recalls how he became a successful public speaker. Before taking his public speaking career, he knew nothing about public oration and meetings. When he spoke for the first time, he became nervous and failed in that endeavor. After many efforts he won success in the art of oration.
Shaw's experiences in the Zetetical society:
 Shaw went to the meeting at Zetetical society with his friend Lecky. It was his first experience. There was a debate going on. He stood up and blabbered something towards the speaker. He was able to estimate his reply as a meaningless one. He felt ashamed of it. So, he joined the society and attended every meeting. At the starting, his speeches were ignored by the members of the society. But, the members gradually started to hear his speeches. He perfected his oration techniques progressively by hard work.
Shaw's securing of freedom of speech:
 Shaw visited all sorts of meeting held in London. He joined and delivered speeches in all the debates. He spoke in streets, parks and associations. He never missed any opportunity. He took part in all debates at various societies, clubs and associations of London. Very soon, he found his giddiness and nervousness faded away from him. By this way, he secured his freedom of speech.
Shaw's nature of giving free oration:
 Shaw never got money for his orations because, he lectured on controversial topics in politics and religion. Sometimes if the place was in a long distance, he would get only money for travelling in the third class compartment. At one meeting while he was speaking, a man yelled at him saying everyone should not hear the talk of a hired professional. As a reply, Shaw on the spot offered his emoluments for five pounds to him. The men who shouted at Shaw shocked to hear it. Then, Shaw explained him that he had come to this place to give lecture at his own expense. He also added, he never got money to any of his speeches from the organizers
Shaw and Anti-Fabians:
 At once occasion, Shaw was delivering his talk at St.James Hall in London. At that time, a hostile group entered the room. They were anti-Fabians. In a few minutes, they all broke up the meeting and insisted to make their leader as the chairman of the meeting. Shaw scored their notion and dealt with them carefully. He demanded some time to give a talk and  spoke for a long time. By his persuasive speech, the news papers wrote articles criticizing the anti-Fabians on the next day. Thus, Shaw by his wit disgraced all the anti-Fabians.
Shaw and H.G.Wells:
 Shaw got perfection in community training along with platform techniques. He got a great success as a public speaker. On the contrary, H.G.Wells who was a gifted writer and thinker never practiced this talent. At one meeting, H.G.Wells tried to insult the Fabian society. But Shaw by his talent as a platform artist defeated Wells' views.
Conclusion:
 Shaw cured his nervousness by his regular practice on public speaking in a gradual manner. He delivered speeches on various themes till to the age of eighty five. All of his speeches were highly commanding and tend everyone who hears them. His socialistic views were reformatory and made the people aware of the social conditions of London. 
Location: Tamil Nadu, India

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