I survived my first speech class.

[Tobin S.]

We actually had to give an impromptu speech the first night. I was quaking in my boots. I can speak at ease when I'm sitting in the class, but put me up in front of everyone to give a speech, even in front of the same people that I've gotten to know, and I start to fall apart. Something about just standing up there scares me. It's actually embarrassing, and I think that's the whole point with me. I get nervous and I get embarrassed because I'm nervous.

The teacher says that the key to delivering a good speech is practice. I'm going to need a LOT of practice.

I've heard it said that true courage isn't not being afraid, it's continuing when you are afraid.

On edit:

The good thing about this is that I want to continue and I want to get better, even though I am afraid. I'm actually looking forward to writing my next speech over the weekend. I think if I keep that kind of attitude I will learn and grow in this area.

[lovemydog]

1. Good for you Tobin S.!

I think when you learn and grow you will enjoy it even more!

[LiberalElite]

2. You're already progressing nt

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. That's great, my dear Tobin!

Of course you had to give an impromptu speech! This is what the class is supposed to do.

You WILL lose your nervousness!

Your attitude is perfect.

I am proud of you!

[Raven]

4. With that attitude, you are going to do just fine! :-)

[Generic Brad]

5. Proud of you, man!

You have a great voice here at DU and have a lot to say on many different topics. I appreciate your take on things and always find your posts interesting. Continue to take the confidence you display here with what you have to say and you will do increasingly better.

We never eliminate the fear of speaking - we just learn how to control it and use it to our advantage.

[Xyzse]

6. That's great. Keep at it.

I tend to be like that too. What has been helping me, is me forcing myself to do open mics.
After making a fool of myself a few times, it gets better.

[rurallib]

7. Just think you are speaking to us, your friends

But seriously - you can do this!

[riderinthestorm]

8. You have to practice for your speech at your graduation party!

[steve2470]

9. yay congrats ! :) nt

[The Second Stone]

10. I'm a trial lawyer, and perhaps can give you some tips on public speaking

First of all, you need to know that 80 percent of Americans polled indicate a higher fear of public speaking than of death. You know, those people who think that death is certain, but they can weasel out of public speaking a thousand times during their lives.

You are an adult now. Virtually everyone you are speaking to has this same fear of public speaking. They feel for you and are not insecure like the kids who laughed at you during grade school and middle school. They all want you to succeed at your talk, even if they are in a friendly debate or discussion. The only exception is trial lawyers, who want the other guy to screw up, but know better than to point it out.

What you say when you speak in front of a group of people is important. But it doesn't need to be long. Say what you want to say and then ask if there are any questions, and sit down. Directly answer the questions if there are any. The best speeches of all time are brief. Think Gettysburg Address.

Remember that these people are your friends and they want to be a good audience. Remember who the audience is and why you love them.

Practice. Join toastmasters.

[lovemydog]

11. That's great advice, the Second Stone.

Have a good weekend!

[The Second Stone]

12. You too. Speak up, speak often

and respect your audience with the truth in a way they will accept it.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

13. I was terrified of giving speeches in high school, and it got only slightly better in college.

I was very nerdy and dorky and just hated having attention paid to me because all I could think of was what a dork everybody would think I was. I got over that gradually when I realized that the people in those classes didn't really care that I was a dork; they were worrying about their own speeches and were barely paying attention to me at all. Nobody ever came up to me after one of these dreaded events and said, "Wow, you're a dork and your speech sucked." Eventually it didn't bother me and I ended up working as an appellate lawyer for awhile, and later a corporate trainer and college instructor. I talk in front of people all the time now and it doesn't scare me at all - but that took awhile. (It still scares me to sing in front of people, even though I actually can sing, because the audience is more likely to be really critical.)

The more you do it the easier it will be. Don't worry too much about what your audience thinks because they are much less judgmental than you think they are. Be sure you know your material; if you are confident in your knowledge you won't feel as nervous. Be sure you aren't fidgeting or shifting back and forth, stand quietly but not stiffly. Smile and make eye contact. If the situation allows it, invite questions, or ask them. It will be fine and you'll get good at it.

[NJCher]

14. Bravo, you!

I don't think, though, as a public speaking teacher, that I'd make you do an impromptu the first night. But good for you that you survived and even better, that you're looking forward to future speeches.

You'll know you're over your fear of public speaking when you walk into a nightclub and the announcer looks at you and hides his mike. (He/she is afraid you'll take over.)


Cher

[orleans]

15. sometimes a little self talk before a speech is helpful

it can be a "fuck you all; i'm doing this whether you like it or not"

for a room full of strangers or superiors

sometimes a "fuck them if they don't like it"

(you just always need to remember to disguise the nasty attitude with a smile or pleasant hello)

or if it's with a room full of friends you could imagine your talk/speech is like you putting your arms around everyone

i used to liken/compare it to climbing the ladder to a high dive, slowly walking to the end of the board, and, with a deep breath, jumping off/in.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

16. Tobin, you are the coolest cat in the room ... and remember

the audience is naked You will do fine. Just fine. I bet you ace the class.