![]() In a story of transformation, Grant moved in the next seven years from clerk at his father’s leather goods store in Galena, Illinois, to commander of all the Union armies, and finally to being president of the United States. Then came the Civil War, and everything changed. And for the next seven years he struggled to make a living for himself, his wife, and his four children, mostly on his pro-slavery father-in-law’s property outside St. He subsequently served with honors in the Mexican War and then returned to marry Julia Dent, who accompanied him to his assignments in New York and Michigan over the next several years.įorced to leave her behind when he was posted to the Oregon Territory and California between 18, he grew so heartsick that he resigned his commission. His personality is a palette not unlike the rich colors he learned to paint with at West Point.Īfter growing up on the Ohio frontier, young Ulysses was accepted at West Point, from which he graduated in 1843. As I dug deeper, I discovered his intellectual journey was filled with surprises, detours, questions, and insights. Grant’s rise to fame has always remained something of a mystery. In my biography of Abraham Lincoln, I wrote of Grant, the decorated Civil War general, but I now confess: I did not fully know the man. Louis tell me most visitors arrive with little knowledge of Grant-but leave with deep appreciation. So, if you are ready – read my public speaking blog, and keep your comments, suggestions, and ideas coming in.Friends at the Ulysses S. I will be regularly posting articles, tips, tricks and other interesting information on how you can also defeat your fear of public speaking and enjoy success in your personal and professional lives. This blog is an endeavor of mine to share all that I learned during these five years, and how I grew from a jittery and nervous speaker to a much more proficient version of me. I was lucky to find a Toastmasters (a leadership and public speaking nonprofit) club in my office which gave me plenty of opportunities to groom myself and rehearse in front of friendly and encouraging fellow learners. However, it was that day that I decided it was time to conquer this phobia which was preventing me from succeeding in my career and personal life. That 45 seconds of silence with the entire office staff looking at me still haunts me till date. I completely froze and was silent for about 45 seconds before I walked off the stage in embarrassment. I spoke for a total duration of 16 seconds and then I froze. The announcer narrated the topic and I started speaking. I was the first one to raise my hand to ask for a chance to come speak. I still remember my first public speaking encounter around 5 years ago wherein I was asked to speak in front of around 80 people during an office team building event on an impromptu topic. ![]() You choked – completely forgetting your content as soon as you start speaking. Your heart started pounding, your palms started sweating and your legs started shaking. You were dreadfully waiting in the audience till your name was announced. ![]() Do you remember your first public speaking encounter? ![]()
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