When I think of public speaking I think great! I love
writing speeches! And then the day comes when I have to stand up in front of
everyone and I feel like puking! I took a toast masters class in school to help
improve my public speaking skills. I have to tell you that I really enjoyed
this class. My biggest flaw is that I speed talk when I give speeches. I am
talking fast.... the first time I gave a speech in my class I read my speech in
four minutes... the speech was three pages long. So needless to say I don’t
think anyone understood a thing I said, in fact they probably didn’t even know
what my speech was about. I eventually became more comfortable and the speeches
improved. I have had to give many speeches throughout my life, in school,
support groups, parent committees, etc. I always have the same reaction... I am
excited and then when its time I am mortified; panic stricken and want to find
a way out.
Last semester I registered for a public speaking class, I
thought if my husband and I both took the class it would be easier and fun. It
was time for our first speech; I had put together a very intelligent
presentation with report cover and all. I was having so much fun with this
speech that I even helped my husband with his. As we were walking to class the
anxiety was in overdrive. I felt queasy, my knees were weak, heart racing, ears
ringing, and I was flushed. In the end my husband went to class delivered a
wonderful speech and I went to the counselor and dropped the class.
In my college courses when there are discussions in the
class room I am attending I have no trouble speaking, joining the discussion, and
even arguing my point. When it comes time to hit the broadcast button I freeze
up and don't say a word. I don’t understand why I do this, what am I so afraid
of? So now I sit here taking online courses this semester, what is wrong with
me?
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