How to Become a Public Speaker | Priti Kalra - Confidence & Public Speaking Tips for Students

What does it take to become a confident public speaker? Priti Kalra shares the practice, courage, and first steps behind her journey from school competitions to national stages.
She has one reminder for anyone waiting for company: go alone—you’ll find people along the way.

और शुरुआत perfect होने का इंतज़ार मत करो—पहला कदम ही रास्ता बनाता है।

Priti began participating in public speaking competitions as a school student and kept showing up through college. In this conversation, she talks about reaching the national level through the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, travelling solo to competitions, and learning to speak up even when people in the audience laugh. Her story connects with a familiar student dilemma: how do you pursue what excites you while managing academics, family expectations, and fear of missing out?

Her advice is practical: master your content before polishing every delivery technique; take part in conversations, college events, and group discussions; and use short videos to get comfortable on camera. She also shares her perspective on solo travel, networking, stage nerves, English fluency, and why a pause can be better than trying to hide a forgotten line. The official MYBharat platform describes Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue as a youth engagement initiative focused on participation and leadership. MYBharat overview

What You’ll Learn
- Why knowing your topic well can make public speaking less intimidating.
- How to build confidence through everyday conversations and small stages.
- Why Priti says going alone can help you meet new people and make connections.
- Her personal approach to staying alert while travelling solo.
- How to handle laughter, criticism, and stage nerves.
- Why remembering a few key points may work better than memorizing every word.

Chapters
00:00 - Go Alone: You’ll Find People Along the Way
01:32 - Meet Priti Kalra: The Public Speaking Journey
02:35 - From School Competitions to the National Stage
05:27 - Balancing Academics and What You Love
06:50 - Travelling Alone and Making New Friends
10:14 - Her Personal Approach to Solo Travel Safety
13:50 - The Two Foundations of Public Speaking
15:39 - Build Confidence Before You Reach the Stage
18:13 - Find Competitions and Youth Opportunities
20:22 - What to Do When People Laugh at You
23:57 - Is It Too Late to Start at 30 or 40?
26:40 - Networking: Finding Your Way Into the Room
28:28 - Start Practising at Home With Your Phone
33:27 - How to Open a Speech and Hold Attention
36:50 - Hindi, English, or Both? Speak With Command
38:22 - Forgot Your Lines? Pause and Find Your Points
40:22 - Voice, Podcasts, and Learning From Speakers
53:48 - The School Poem That Built Her Confidence
56:33 - Your First Stage Is Already an Achievement

About Priti Kalra
Priti Kalra is a national-level youth speaker, creator, storyteller, and B.Tech student. She has participated in public speaking and college competitions and discusses her experiences with youth opportunities, leadership, travel, and stage performance in this episode. Her channel explores college life, creativity, career growth, events, and experiences for ambitious young people.

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