Speech Class Questions? Please Help?
1: What should I expect? Is it constant speaking in front of the class or do we have "alone" time too?
2: Is it relatively easy to pass if you're a horrible public speaker?
3: What could I do to be more relaxed and comfortable before and/or during class/while giving a speech?
I've always hated anything that draws attention to me.. and this is like my worst nightmare. I get shaky and sweaty, my face turns read and I feel like I'm going to faint. I'm pretty sure I have anxiety issues anyway.. any advice?
Answer:
The purpose of a speech class is to introduce you to speaking in front of a group of people. This involves a lot more than merely reading something to a bunch of people. Indeed, that wouldn't be a speech, it would be a reading.
You will learn that writing a speech is quite different than writing an essay. There are a variety of techniques that public speakers use to express themselves clearly, to make their point more understandable, or to persuade their audience. For example, if you read through Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, he uses a great deal of repetition to emphasize particular points.
Hopefully, you will learn how to speak in front of a group of people and not be freaked-out over it all the time. But even the most experienced public speaker gets nervous from time to time.
The battle of nerves can be overcome, more or less, fairly easily. The most important thing is to ensure that you know the topic of your speech as well as you can. Usually, there is a question-and-answer session after giving your speech , so you'd need to know a lot about your topic anyway. But the more thoroughly you know your subject, the more confidence you will have, and you should have no reason to be nervous cuz you know it all! Confidence! Also, the more you know your subject, the less you have to look at notes because basically you're not giving a speech, you're simply telling people what you know. It's also pretty relaxing to look at the people you're talking to -- not just one person, not the teacher, not the wall -- make eye contact with as many as you can, and when you see that people are actually paying attention, it gives you confidence and eases the nerves.
One last technique: on the day of your speech, wear the most comfortable pair of socks you have. If you feel nerves coming up, just wiggle your toes and think of how incredibly comfy your feet are, and no one knows but you! It is so silly, so utterly stupid that your nerves should subside, and you just might need to control your giggling!
Much luck to you!
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The speech class I had wasn't "constant" in front of people, although when the assignment calls for it, it will be in front of the class.
I always have to tap my foot (or if I am behind a podium-shake my knee) to keep "distracted".
I'm sure you'll do fine!!
first, don't put so much pressure on yourself. fear of public speaking is the number one phobia in the world..so remember everyone in your class is nervous too. no, you won't be doing speeches all of the time. you will also do research and sometimes work with partners on a speech.
let yourself have fun with it. if you mess up..just laugh at yourself. that will put everyone else at ease. you will find yourself getting more and more confident as the semester goes on.
It's not bad as you think it is. it will actually help you have that self confidence and train you how to be an effective public speaker. It is not constant speaking in front of the class. The teacher will have a lot of lectures and discussion in groups. I'm the worst one when it comes to speaking in front of people. But hey, I passed it and learned a lot from it. You will enjoy the interaction with classmates and you will learn a LOT about different topics from your classmates speeches. Very informative. Have fun and enjoy that class.
The speech class I had we had to do like three different speeches in front of the class. One was a demonstration speech where we had to demonstrate how to do or make something. One was a group speech. The other was a topic of choice, like an informative speech. I would get nervous too. The best advice I can give is to be busy while giving the speech. If you are doing something as you are talking, it takes some of the focus off of you, for example, a powerpoint presentation or using an overhead projector. Plus, you will probably get bonus points for having "props". Just be yourself, be confident and practice. Remember to keep eye contact with your audience, focus on people who do not make you nervous or who you do not feel intimidated by. Also, if there is a podium or desk, stand behind it, will hide it if your knees are shaky. I had some anxiety about taking public speaking too, but I passed without problem, think I got an A or B. Professors generally grade easy with these type of classes knowing that people do have anxiety problems. Public speaking is high among fears and is normal.
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