Public Speaking

[GARFIELDKOOL]

I don't know about anybody else, but I get nervous when speaking public. That is when I'm put on the spot. Don't put me on the spot, because I will freeze up. I use to be fine speaking public, but for the past 10 years, I can't do it. If I'm boozed up, I'm good to go. At my best friend's wedding 3 years ago, I was the best man, I had to make a speech, but I was nervous they put the microphone in my hand unexpectantly. Anyone have a problem with speaking in public?

[James"Thunder"Early]

I'm confident enough to do it, even though I've never actually done it in front of really big crowd. I think it's good at to talk off the top of you head and not rely entirely on a speech.

[AllIWantIsYourClutch]

I'm SO bad at it. SO SO SO SO SOOOOOOOOOO BAD. My sophomore speech class was the death of me.

[swedeace]

I used to not be able to handle public speaking. During my senior year of high school, we had to present our reports on a science topic. Mine was on clouds (yeah, yeah - everyone else took all the GOOD ones!! Grrr!), and I just froze, I couldn't talk, I was shaking, etc, etc... I couldn't finish it!! It was horrible!!! Needless to say, I didn't get such a good grade for that project which brought my class grade down. Puh!!!

Now as part of my job, I have to sub computer classes, so I have to be put ON the spot for college-level computer students. I have gotten soooo much better at public speaking. Funny because now I find it TERRIBLY difficult to go UP to individuals many times more THAN speaking at a large crowded room of people. It's because all of those people I have NO group attachment to. It's individuals who I fear more....

One trick that helps is those silly techniques that have been implemented as aides.

1) Picture the audience naked OR in their unmentionables, how would that help? I'm the type of person who'd feel mortified if I saw a hot-looking guy and pictured HIM naked. Then... I wouldn't be able to face him, and would feel embarrassed and guilty for picturing him. Haha... That would NOT work for me, but it might for others....

2) Pretend you are talking to a group or a couple of your closest friends about what YOU know best. As though you are teaching them/showing off something to them.

Hope these help.

[Karen*]

I HATE PUBLIC SPEAKING!! I shouldn't be since I've been in leadership for four years and I have to talk a lot, but it's something that I've never been good at. I don't believe I am good at communicating orally, I think communicate better using the written word.

[Hollow]

i've never had too much of a problem with it.

[SBTB Geek]

I'm quite good at it actually, I should even try to make a career out of it. LMAO.

[InspectorExstead]

I'm not very good at public speaking. It's not that I have any "communication problems." I'm fine around people I know and trust, but I can't open up and discuss an issue, no matter how controversial, with a roomful of strangers. Which is why my speech class will really be an interesting change. I think I'm ready to slowly crawl out of my shell...and give speaking, heated debate and all, a good try.

[Ireneparalegal]

Originally Posted by GARFIELDKOOL

I don't know about anybody else, but I get nervous when speaking public. That is when I'm put on the spot. Don't put me on the spot, because I will freeze up. I use to be fine speaking public, but for the past 10 years, I can't do it. If I'm boozed up, I'm good to go. At my best friend's wedding 3 years ago, I was the best man, I had to make a speech, but I was nervous they put the microphone in my hand unexpectantly. Anyone have a problem with speaking in public?

Hi Kool. You know, I have a problem with it, but when I have to do it, I can do it. When I was young, I would avoid trying to go first, I hated it. I would do anything to be the last one to go up in front of the class. As a teen in high school, I would volunteer to speak first because:
1. Get it over with
2. I knew that I would speak so well and do an awesome job that everyone after me would get graded based on how I did.

In 2002, when my older brother died at the age of 45, i was the one who delivered his eulogy. Same thing last year when my father died. My sister was a wreck and said she wouldn't be able to speak at all. Therefore, I did it. I was sooo worried that I would start balling, but I did very well. Considering my father's mass was filled with soooo many people, the mayor, city councilmen, business owners, lots of family and friends. As I looked up and gazed over the crowd, I just scanned really quick and tried not to look at any one person, that seemed to help. Or I would look at some object in the church when I had my head up.

[GARFIELDKOOL]

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

Hi Kool. You know, I have a problem with it, but when I have to do it, I can do it. When I was young, I would avoid trying to go first, I hated it. I would do anything to be the last one to go up in front of the class. As a teen in high school, I would volunteer to speak first because:
1. Get it over with
2. I knew that I would speak so well and do an awesome job that everyone after me would get graded based on how I did.

In 2002, when my older brother died at the age of 45, i was the one who delivered his eulogy. Same thing last year when my father died. My sister was a wreck and said she wouldn't be able to speak at all. Therefore, I did it. I was sooo worried that I would start balling, but I did very well. Considering my father's mass was filled with soooo many people, the mayor, city councilmen, business owners, lots of family and friends. As I looked up and gazed over the crowd, I just scanned really quick and tried not to look at any one person, that seemed to help. Or I would look at some object in the church when I had my head up.

Aww, I'm sorry about your brother Irene. My condolences. 45 is young. My oldest brother is 44. But, I forgot to add If I take it upon myself to speak public, I will have no problem, it's just I don't like being put on the spot because you are pressured to say something others expect.

[TJL]

I have to give the toast at my friend's wedding this weekend, so i will be facing a room full of people tomorrow afternoon. I'm not nervous, but I will probably feel a rush of adrenaline when it happens. I'm just going to keep it short and sweet, and be relaxed. Having a drink or two in you helps a bit too.

[TVFactFan]

Originally Posted by GARFIELDKOOL

I don't know about anybody else, but I get nervous when speaking public. That is when I'm put on the spot. Don't put me on the spot, because I will freeze up. I use to be fine speaking public, but for the past 10 years, I can't do it. If I'm boozed up, I'm good to go. At my best friend's wedding 3 years ago, I was the best man, I had to make a speech, but I was nervous they put the microphone in my hand unexpectantly. Anyone have a problem with speaking in public?

I had to speak at a college 2 years ago and almost had a mild seizure-lol

[Superstar]

I'm okay at it, but I get very nervous before hand

[80s_Fan]

I hate public speaking; I'm nervous to begin with so talking in front of a lot of people makes me more nervous and I shake a little, etc....

[Courtnee]

I love public speaking. I can always crack a joke if things are too akward.