The most exciting and nerve wracking moment in the history of a Greek's life is that very first moment, when you unveil yourself to campus. New member presentations are exciting and the way each individual gets to express him or herself to the campus as a new Greek. This may include stepping, singing, and dancing, but it definitely includes speaking. Most new member shows have multiple people introducing themselves to the campus, allowing some level of comfort in the beginning of the show, but eventually each person is center stage by him or herself. I took a public speaking class after I crossed, not only was the class smaller than the audience at my show, but they were less expecting. At my internships, everyone expected that I would be nervous and that my speak may not be flawless. When people attend new member presentations, however, they expect a great show. No one wants to be the person who forgot their speech! That would be a horrible way to introduce yourself to the campus!

While I may have learned a lot of nuances from my public speaking class—how to design slides, purposeful vs. distracting movement, etc.—it was my new member presentation that made it easy to stand in front of a crowd. Taking off the mask is not just a revelation of your choice in organization but also a revelation of your confidence.