I can well remember that I was once asked to deliver a speech titled A Real Test in My Life before the whole class at the age of 9! You can imagine how ① (terrible) shy I was the moment I thought of that — with so many eyes ② (fix) upon me. I had no ③ (choose) but to prepare for it, though. First of all, I was to draft the speech, which was just a piece of cake for me, a good writer. But the hardest part ④ (lie) in my oral presentation from my memory, for to read from the paper was not allowed. The real moment began ⑤ I stood on the platform with my legs trembling and my mind blank. But my ⑥ (listen) were waiting patiently without any signs of rushing me. Gradually I found myself back, giving out my speech with difficulty. After what seemed to be a hundred years, I found my audience applauding — I made ⑦ ! From then on, my fear of talking before a big audience ⑧ (appear). Actually with my confidence building up, I now turn out to be a great speaker. Looking back, I know the greatest difficulty on our way ⑨ success is our fear. Overcome it, ⑩ we will be able to achieve our goals.
