Classes with public speaking/presentations, severe anxiety, how do you deal?

bjkmom
Tue, 22 Aug 2017 20:24:01 +0000

OK, deep breaths.

For starters, know that public speaking is one of those fears that almost everyone shares. It’s a HUGE fear for many people, beyond root canal, beyond most things. So you’ll be in good company.

But it’s also something that MANY adults have to do at some point in their adult lives. So staying in bed won’t cut it, Yes, you’ll fail the class. But you’ll also miss the opportunity to get a handle on this in the safety of a classroom as opposed to a workplace.

Probably the best cure for that fear is preparation.

For what it’s worth, I coached Speech & Debate for 18 years. Here’s what I’m going to ask you to do:

1. Early in the marking period, make an appointment with the professors of each of those classes. Let them know that this course is the cause of some severe anxiety, and ask them for suggestions on handling it. That will help in that they won't mistake your fear for a lack of caring.

2. I know that the temptation is to put off prep for these classes because you hate them so much. But you've GOT to be prepared. These classes need to be a high priority for you.

3. As you get the nuts and bolts of each assignment, post them here. We can discuss strategies on handling each type of presentation

How does that sound?