For most people, giving a speech in front of strangers is about as enjoyable a prospect as going to the dentist. Not so for Stormi Cobb, who is taking that talent all the way to Austin.
Cobb, a junior at Hermleigh High School, will compete in the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Class 1A state informative speaking contest, set for next week at the University of Texas. She earned her trip to the state contest by placing third in recent UIL regional competition.
While most people are terrified at the thought of speaking in public, Cobb, the daughter of Dusty and Kevin Thompson, said preparing for the speech is often scarier than the speech itself.
“Sometimes, I panic a little bit when I’m preparing the speech. Sometimes, I don’t,” Cobb said. “I guess it depends on the situation.”
She won district titles in both informative speaking and poetry interpretation at the District 13-1A academic meet earlier this year, demonstrating she’s mastering the knack for public speaking.
“I’ve been at it forever, it seems,” Cobb said. “It can get pretty nerve-wracking, but I do the best I can to be level-headed and not let my nerves get the best of me.”
She’s hopes to maintain that level-headed approach when she competes in Austin on Tuesday.
“I’m going to take it like any other meet,” Cobb said.
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