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CrimsonFox
10-19-2006, 03:19 PM
Hey guys, I finally have some free time to post something up before I go to class. Since my last post, sometime in August or September, I have been going through a lot with my speech class. Luckily, I got through my first speech in September :D

In the beginning of September, our teacher said we had to do an informative speech that had to be 4 to 6 minutes long. Now think of yourself being up in the front of the class that long. It made me super nervous just thinking about it :eek:

Anyway, we would be giving our speeches the last week of September. I remember as the days and weeks went by, I became scared and felt like not coming to class. The funny thing was, I was assigned to do my speech the last Thursday in September, but with transportation issues, my teacher said I have to do it on Tuesday, two days before. So, that really got me scared!!

The day before I had to give my speech, I practiced in front of my mirror for hours, just so I can get comfortable. But, I still felt that nervousness inside of me.

Moving on, Tuesday when I got to the class, my teacher said I would be going first when class started.
(I have the worst luck don't I :mad: ) As soon as I was instructed, I went up to the front of the class, took a deep breath, cleared my head of any negative thoughts and just focused directly on my speech.

After I finished and sat down, I felt like I just accomplished a big goal or something. I felt like I could do anything now and that speech was nothing.

To wrap this up before I go to class now, some words of advice to others who have a public speaking class or any other class which is usually oral (for instance, someone has a spanish class where they have to do a presentation; good job by the way)

- Make sure you practice a few days before giving your speech. Practice in front of a mirror or to a friend or family member. You can also use a recorder to tape yourself and hear how others would hear you.

- This, by far, is really important. DON'T EVER POSTPONE OR TRY TO ESCAPE FROM A PRESENTATION. Trust me, it will have negative effects on you later on. Just deal with it no matter if you fail or succeed. In the end you will learn something.

- Last thing, no matter how nervous you get, try to think positively and don't worry about stuttering. I use to think as soon as I started talking, the stuttering would reveal itself. Just talk with confidence. You may stutter but you have better control of it if you don't rush.

Well, glad to post here again. Good luck to you all!

bignick
10-19-2006, 04:23 PM
I am really happy for you that you did your presentation and you felt so good.
Well done and now you know that your speech cant control what you do in future, keep up the positive thinking and let us know how you are doing in your classes.

Nick

Sullebon
10-19-2006, 04:37 PM
CrimsonFox - I have got goosebumps all over! I'm so pleased for you. I could never imagine getting up infront of people to do a speech - but you have just proved that with positive thinking and a calm approach, you can achieve anything. Well done.

(I need to take a leaf out of your book!!)

CrimsonFox
10-19-2006, 07:21 PM
Thanks for the comments. One very important thing I've learned while taking this speech class is to have faith in myself (thinking more postively - better said)

The first day I went to speech class, I was a nervous wreck, why, because I was very afraid of talking and revealing to others that I stutter. I don't speak out much sometimes in class, but that doesn't stop me from what I need to do.

One thing I encourage others to do, you may not agree with me, is to take a public speaking class. Yes, you heard right; take a public speaking class.

Here's why I took this class:
- To avoid, avoidance (If you are in a situation that you can flee, you won't learn anything from it. Conquer your fears rather than run away)

- To learn about my fear of talking publicly (I have been somewhat afraid to say what I want because I don't want to be known as the kid who stutters. Learn about your fear of talking, do a little research to help you and practice practice practice)

- Forget what others think about you (The first day of class we had to introduce our neighboor and they would introduce us. I had a hard time talking and some people began snickering because of the way I talked. That really made me angry because "college students" are suppose to be mature adults and not act like children. Now, I really don't care who laughs and neither should you. If they laugh, so what? Let them laugh their pants off. Just be glad that you didn't run away like a coward. In other words, "praise yourself for your own accomplishments rather than go looking for praise from others")

- Last and important thing I've learned: Don't look at a presentation or any other oral issues as a drag or burden
(Negative thinking -"Oh man, I can't do this." "Maybe I shouldn't go to class. I'll just tell the teacher I was sick." Have you ever thought like this? I have, but I have stopped now. On Monday, October 18 (think that's the right date) I have to present, with my group, problems assigned to us. Each person has to present. Normally, I would be scared as hell. But guess what, I'm looking forward to it and ready to teach the class something :D To sum this all up, look forward to a presentation no matter how nervous you are, it relieves a lot of built up tension. Think about it as being fun (even if it is not) and something you like to do. I guarantee you as you get up to do your presentation and keep thinking postively you'll do much better then thinking negatively about it.

Well, I have to go now. I'm suppose to do a speech today, but my teacher hasn't been here so we might have it Tuesday. I look forward to having it today or whenever. BRING IT ON!!!

Standingtall
10-19-2006, 10:12 PM
That is great news, I have been in your shoes many times and I still get nervous before each speech, but the feeling when everything is done. Is is priceless!! You meet an lot of wonderful people afterwards, who just want to shake you hand and tell you well done. Some stay and chat with you. Good luck in future speaking engagments, it will become easier walking up to that podium and start talking. Your speech will improve as your confidence will grow by leaps and bounds. Well, done!

CrimsonFox
11-14-2006, 09:39 PM
:D Hey everyone. Just here to give you an update on how things have been going.

It's been a long 4 month journey ever since I started the speech class. There's been ups and downs but I'm proud of myself for what I've accomplished so far and that I did not drop the class because of fear.

Anyway, like the title of the thread says, I have one more speech to go this semester. The speech has to be 5 to 7 minutes long :eek: (Sure is a long time to talk) on a persuasive (is that spelled right) topic. I'm doing; Advertising: Greed vs what is truly needed. I have to go on Thursday, but I'm a little nervous about it (not that much like I used to be) :o

Well, that's it for now until I post again Thursday.
Happy Thanksgiving!!

CrimsonFox
11-21-2006, 06:38 PM
:cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:

Yes, I can't believe I'm done with the speech course now. After all those months of preparation, feeling anxious, always thinking about the next speech, it is finally, finally over! I'm very proud of myself for not giving up (dropping the course like some would have done). It's over and now it is time for me to move on!

happy7117
11-21-2006, 10:17 PM
:cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:

Yes, I can't believe I'm done with the speech course now. After all those months of preparation, feeling anxious, always thinking about the next speech, it is finally, finally over! I'm very proud of myself for not giving up (dropping the course like some would have done). It's over and now it is time for me to move on!

Congrats, and it's time for you to go out and celebrate!