Speech course - Today and the rest of my life

[CrimsonFox]

Hey everyone, today was my first day in the Speech Class course that I'm taking in college. Boy, I was nervous as heck when I got in there because I knew what to expect of the class. After the teacher handed out the syllabus and other documents, he told the class to count off from one through three. Person one would stand up and introduce person two, person two would introduce person three and so on. I had to introduce a person's name that was hard to say :confused: (say what)

Anyway, I had to go first since my teacher pointed to me (what luck I have :D ). I stood up and I felt like I was at a lost of words. As soon as I started talking, it felt like my heart dropped and I was losing oxygen the longer I stood up. I heard some people snickering when I was at fault, but I didn't let it bother me ( :mad: why are some people so ignorant).

Luckily, I focused on what I needed to do and said what I had to say. I don't think my heart can take much of this anxiety I keep on feeling before I have to do a presentation :eek:

Moving on, this is what we are basically going to be doing the whole semester up until December 13.

Here's something I want to ask, is there a way to eliminate social anxiety? I think practicing can hel eliminating it but not in every situation that you are not prepared for.

[BenLZ]

Between the experiences you and some other members post I am just so excited for college now :rolleyes:

Uh, social anxiety...not sure.

[bbp]

Hey man, I don't know if you have the same options at your school but at my university I was able to take a Technical writing course instead of speech.

If you look on your degree audit, see what type of course your speech class satisfies then see if you can satisfy it with another. Or hell, talk to your advisor and see if they can help you.

EDIT: I just read in your other thread that you took the speech course on purpose so, nevermind my advice :D. I commend your strength. I would have done anything to get out of speech.

[Power of three]

Well, I reckon as you said yourself, the more you do the presentations, the less stressed you will feel about them.
And I echo what bbp says about applauding your decision to take that course.

I also believe that if one does not feel nervous about a situation (be it a speech, first date, job interview, etc) then the event means very little to you.
So I think it is good to feel a bit nervous about things, and let your nerves work in your favour.

Good luck with the course, ignore those stupid people as you rightly already do, and get out of the course what you want to, and don't let anybody else's ingnorance stand in your way!

Keep us up to date with how things go........ ;)

[dbm]

Hi
Well done to get out of your comfort zone.
Try reading ' how to talk to anyone' Neil Lowndes.
Some of the advice for lots of situations is very good.

But think before hand: what is common to you and the people who are the audience: and that you are speaking together with them: and have common interests, so that it is ' us' whom you are speaking 'together with'. Imagine a spotlight on the audience and moving around them as your gaze follows it, rather than the spotlight being on you. In othe word practice getting your attention 'out there'.
Practice with every interaction and let us know how you get on! But do it!!