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Tobin S.

(10,418 posts)
Fri Sep 5, 2014, 06:00 PM Sep 2014

I made it through my second speech in speech class.

The only criticisms were not enough eye contact and I seemed a bit out of breath. Those are both symptoms of stage fright. The teacher said I improved over my first speech.

I've gone from, "Holy shit! I think I'm going to die from a panic attack," to "I think I'm going to be able to do this."

Two classes two speeches. We don't have a speech due next week. Now, I kind of wish we had to do one every week. I can feel myself improving and I don't want to fall back into my old comfort zone and have to start all over again.

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I made it through my second speech in speech class. (Original Post) Tobin S. Sep 2014 OP
That's great news, my dear Tobin! CaliforniaPeggy Sep 2014 #1
Thank you, my dear Peggy. Tobin S. Sep 2014 #2
It takes a while to be comfortable... CherokeeDem Sep 2014 #3
Thank you! Tobin S. Sep 2014 #7
Eyes on the prize! Your speech at your graduation party! riderinthestorm Sep 2014 #4
10-4 on that. Tobin S. Sep 2014 #8
Proud of you! Generic Brad Sep 2014 #5
You are very kind, Brad. Tobin S. Sep 2014 #9
I know when I speak in public, I always talk too fast. alarimer Sep 2014 #6
I am an introvert, too. Tobin S. Sep 2014 #10
Great work sharp_stick Sep 2014 #11
Speech class was one of the best classes ever Paulie Sep 2014 #12

CaliforniaPeggy

(149,516 posts)
1. That's great news, my dear Tobin!
Fri Sep 5, 2014, 07:39 PM
Sep 2014

And I think you're going to do just fine, even if you don't do a speech every week.

You will continue to build your self-confidence with every speech!

I know it's not the same, but you can practice at home with Jen...

Keep on keeping on!

CherokeeDem

(3,709 posts)
3. It takes a while to be comfortable...
Fri Sep 5, 2014, 09:24 PM
Sep 2014

but it sounds like you're almost there. Great job!

The next one will be even easier.... and think, you've all most got this school thing whipped. Don't know how you've done it with working as hard as you do but you are to be commended!

Good luck!!!

Generic Brad

(14,272 posts)
5. Proud of you!
Fri Sep 5, 2014, 10:47 PM
Sep 2014

You stand as an example for many here. You are getting the best of your fear instead of allowing your fear to get the best of you. That is incredibly brave.

Tobin S.

(10,418 posts)
9. You are very kind, Brad.
Sat Sep 6, 2014, 07:34 AM
Sep 2014

I've come so far that I can't let something like this get the better of me now.

I've heard it said that the best way to conquer your fear is to confront it. I don't know if that works in every situation, but for something like what I'm doing it's the only way to go.

alarimer

(16,245 posts)
6. I know when I speak in public, I always talk too fast.
Fri Sep 5, 2014, 10:51 PM
Sep 2014

Mostly from nerves, I suppose.

As an introvert, I (oddly) do not have fear of public speaking, but I don't get to practice enough.

As you have seen, practice does help a lot. The more you do it, the easier it should be.

Tobin S.

(10,418 posts)
10. I am an introvert, too.
Sat Sep 6, 2014, 07:43 AM
Sep 2014

I almost titled my second speech "There's No Room for Introversion in Speech Class." Then I realized that wasn't true. You can definitely be an effective public speaker as an inward-looking person.

As far as practice goes, I think that is the key as well. The more you practice your speech, the easier it will be when it comes time to give it to your intended audience. I practiced my speech on my in-laws, friends, and my wife as well as giving it to my dog a couple of times.

I don't know if you saw my outline, but it was a pretty revealing self-introductory speech that contained stuff about my struggles with mental illness. The way I see it, if I can stand up there in front of a group of strangers and talk about that stuff (and live) then I can get up there and talk about anything. It's like trial by fire.

sharp_stick

(14,400 posts)
11. Great work
Sat Sep 6, 2014, 10:06 AM
Sep 2014

If you're anything like me you shouldn't fall too far back. Once you get going it gets a bit easier every time.

One nice thing about being afraid to speak in public is that you put one hell of a lot of work into every talk you have to give and that makes each one better than the guy that just gets up and yammers for a while.

Paulie

(8,462 posts)
12. Speech class was one of the best classes ever
Sat Sep 6, 2014, 10:29 AM
Sep 2014

Safe place to break through nerves. Amazing how much it has been a solid support after college in work and life.

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