I was on the waitlist for a class in which I am supposed to speak in front of the class, and I’ve gotten a spot to officially be a part of the class. As a way to take role, the teacher makes students get in front of the class to answer five questions each class. I’m nervous about it. Public speaking has always been a fear of mine, and I haven’t done much of this at my community college.
This may sound like a cold hearted reply, but I’ll type it anyway: conquer your fear by facing it. I have no idea why you are taking the class, but being enrolled is a commitment to follow course expectations.
It gets better the more often you do it. You could start small and practice a talking to a few friends at once. Or try the cliche talking to a mirror method.
If it produces an anxiety attack, visit your professor’s office hours or maybe student services like counseling.
@HoldenInTheRye Hi there! I remember my public speech class, and I am not gonna lie to you, it was pretty awful, but this is just something you need to get through. Some tips:
- Try to make friends. It is much easier to give a speech in front of a large crowd when there is a familiar face to focus on.
Most of my classmates, by the way, feared public speaking just as much as I did, and were very supportive (listened carefully, smiled, etc). - Practice. A lot. Find someone who makes you feel comfortable and practice speaking in front of them. Even better - record yourself and learn from the recording. This might help with a posture and the urge to put your hands in the pockets (this is something you don’t want to do).
- Get some one on one time with your professor, and talk to him about your fear of public speaking. He will understand - numerous research has showed that most people fear speaking in public more than death. He might also give you some pointers on how to overcome your fear.
- Do it for the grade. If all fails, concentrate solely on the grade. The class will only last for a few months, and most likely you will never see all these people again, but the grade will stay on your transcript, so focus on that. It will be over before you know it.
Good for you! Public speaking not only is the Number 1 fear for lots of people, but it’s also a huge part in professional success across many fields. And it’s one of those things that gets easier the more you force yourself to do it.
I’m betting the “5 Questions” will be relatively easy things, like what’s your least favorite color, do you have a hobby etc, not content questions. The important thing will not be the content of your answer but rather your “style.” No one really cares if your least favorite color is “green,” but they’ll enjoy and remember your brief anecdote, funny story, or whatever.
Also, you might be graded on “improvement” so those early awkward speeches count less.
I used to be like you…but the more you speak in front of people, the easier it gets. Also it helps if you know your subject well
I listened to a TED talk prior to giving my first speech in an oral position class that really helped. The main principle of the video was “fake it 'til you become it.” In other words, if you arent a confident person in the world, but you go up there pretending you are, eventually you will be. It all comes down to mindset. Will you go up there being consumed in nervousness, or all you muster up some confidence and run with it? Think about what you’re good at. Are you quick witted? Smart? Articulate in conversation? Find all your positive traits and use them to build yourself up.
Here’s an article that gives a brief summary of the TED talk I mentioned (the video itself is 21 minutes ling and embedded on the page):
http://blog.ted.com/fake-it-til-you-become-it-amy-cuddys-power-poses-visualized/
And remember, at the end of the day, this one public speaking won’t define you. I made a lot of my friends in oral composition class after I messed up on a speech. They gave me tips and encouragement to do better next time. It won’t be your last speaking opportunity either. So just try and relax, build up some confidence, and knock their socks off!