Half a year ago, I took part in an English {#blank#}1{#/blank#}（演讲） competition. The experience taught me how important it is to stay calm and {#blank#}2{#/blank#}（做） myself.

    When it was my time to give the speech, I became very {#blank#}3{#/blank#}（紧张）. I could even feel my heart beating very fast. A girl beside me noticed how I was feeling. With a smile she said, "Come on, just be yourself." "But, " I said, "all the speakers here are much better than me and I don't think I can beat {#blank#}4{#/blank#}（他们）." "So what?" she shouted. "You haven't even tried. So how do you know you're a loser?"

    Yes, maybe she's right. I took a deep {#blank#}5{#/blank#}（呼吸） and stepped onto the stage to begin my speech. Everything seemed to go {#blank#}6{#/blank#}（顺利地） while suddenly I stopped. My mind went completely black. I just stand there {#blank#}7{#/blank#}（没有） saying a word.

    "What should I do?" I asked myself. "Run away or continue?" Just then, the girl's words came back to me. "Be yourself." Yes, she is right. Her words gave me {#blank#}8{#/blank#}（勇气）. I can't give up. I won't let her{#blank#}9{#/blank#}（失望）.

    Then I went on with the {#blank#}10{#/blank#}（剩余） of my speech with a cheerful voice. Little by little, the audience seemed to be interested in my story. My speech turned into an easy chat. I had found myself again.