When I’m trying to overcome a fear of speaking in front of a crowded room, how do I make myself understood? My mind is in a million places at once, I think to myself keep breathing, don’t get embarrassed, stand tall, and calm the nerves in the pit of your stomach. All the while I’m trying to remember what I meant to say in the first place. As the anticipation creeps up on me of having to speak my actual first word the anxiety starts to overtake me, my mind goes blank. I had everything I wanted to say planned out in my head; I even had a strong array of words that would make my point even stronger. However it’s my turn to speak so I must formulate my point somehow. As I begin to talk I stutter and trip over my words, my heart is racing and I can feel my face turning red from embarrassment.
Keep breathing, you can do this.
The beginning of my dialogue is rough, but I continue and it starts to become easier. My heart rate slows down, my breathing evens out, I have calmed my nerves and the pit of my stomach feels normal. The words I had previously planned start to flow out of my mouth and my array of vocabulary strengthens my argument.
You can do this; it’s not so bad after all. Just keep breathing.
Aluminum glow
18 years ago
I really like what you had to say here about public speaking. I am taking SPCM 200 right now, and even in front of a small class, this can be very nerve racking. Do you think it is important that all those who aim to become educators know what it's like to speak publicly? Is teaching a form of public speaking? I also really like how you adapt to your audience in order to make known that you have been in the same boat, but if you can do it, so can they.
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate to this. I am a Comm. Studies major and know how scary speaking in front of peers can be. I think you language is the best part of yor writing and really lets us get into it. Even though you are scared of this, you seem to have a great way of pushing through your fear and hopefully in the future you can give your students this strength.
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