Hello Everybody,
There are two reasons with public speaking that make me apprehensive. The first is unfamiliar faces, and the second reason has to do with setting and location.
I don’t generally go out of my way to get to know people. If I happen to be at an event where other people are talking and getting to know each other, I tend to just stay to myself & won’t make any initiative to meet somebody new. I’m not saying that I am a rude person, should somebody approach me and start a conversation, I will gladly hold a conversation with that person. I just don’t feel comfortable starting a conversation with somebody I don’t know. I get the same uncomfortable feeling when I have to stand in front of a group, even if it’s only two people, and giving a speech.
I do tend to break the rules with my own anxiety about public speaking when it is work related. I am more likely to be calm and confident, when having to stand in front of an audience, and explain how to do a certain work procedure. It does not matter if the audience is made up of fellow co-workers, or if the workers are from another department I don’t usually interact with. It could be because I know I’m getting paid to do the presentation, where as in a class setting, I’m not getting paid to stand in front of the class and present a speech.
Perhaps knowing this, I should approach all future speeches or presentations, as if it was for work and I was going to be getting paid to conduct the speech. The things some people do for money.
3 comments:
Getting paid to do a speech, now there's a thing to think about. :) Maybe you can think of grades as 'payment'. Would that help?
Hopefully by blogging, you are getting to know people online.
I totally know how you feel! I will never go out of my way to start a conversation, and I know that it may seem rude but I just can't seem to say hi to someone. I guess I think they'll think I'm odd for saying hi. I wish I could be as confident as you are in work situations. I am completely terrified of making conversations with coworkers, presenting something to my boss, and even making phone calls to important clients! I'm really hoping this class helps me get out of my shell. And I definitely understand what you mean when you say you're more comfortable around familiar faces. I think its even more comfortable making a speech if the class knows each other very very well and can all joke with each other. Because I have had some classes where I can recognize my classmates faces but I don't know a single persons name! Which can make it even harder to attempt a speech!
I would love to get paid to make speeches (I *would* have to get over my fear first, of course!) Though prof. is right. Maybe our grades CAN be our payment?!
I understand where you are coming from. I especially agree with the first reason. I do not like talking in front of new people either. I always feel like I will embarrass myself in fornt of these people and they will have a bad first impression or just think that I am a loser. For me, embarrassing myself is why I am so apprehensive about public speaking. I think I am going to mess up and everyone will laugh. I also have a hard time getting to know people. I might want to, but I just cannot muster up the courage to start the conversation. I do not have the same feelings about the setting. That type of thing just does not bother. Goodluck!
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