speech

1. I have been a Lpn for a few years and want to go for my Rn but I am terrified of public speaking. Any advice? Also do you have to give speeches in other classes?

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2. 

   About ayepacheco

   Joined: Jan '12; Posts: 1

   13 Comments

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3. 
   Feb 20, '13

   Unfortunately there will be classes in nursing where u have to present a group project more than likely... its not so scary. You're not the only one who hates it I'm sure... And everyone has to do it. So everyone feels the exact same I'm sure. I'd say go for it
4. 
   Feb 21, '13

   Quote from ayepacheco

   I have been a Lpn for a few years and want to go for my Rn but I am terrified of public speaking. Any advice? Also do you have to give speeches in other classes?

   Try to find an online public speaking class:-)
5. 
   Feb 21, '13

   I just took a 2 week public speaking class over the winter. It wasn't bad. Everyone is just as scared as you are and you just have to do it. I suggest a quick 2 weeks course or an online course
6. 
   Feb 21, '13

   If you get nervous, don't drink coffee before having to give a speech! I am terrified of public speaking...that was honestly one of the hardest classes I have ever had to take in school, and I put it off until the last minute because I dreaded it! You will also have presentations in nursing classes....but they will most likely be group presentations. Although I hated group work, going up in front of the class with your group is less scary than going up by yourself.
   
   I tell everyone that if *I* can go up and talk in front of a crowd, anyone can!
7. 
   Feb 21, '13

   You can also check out a local chapter of toastermasters. It is a public speaking club. Great place to practice.
8. 
   Feb 21, '13

   In my public speaking class everyone was nervous. When I get nervous my hands shake and my face turns red and my mouth is dry; this happens to me every speech. But, really, no one expects you to be an experienced speaker who never makes mistakes or says um. I put more pressure on myself than anyone else did, including the teacher, which also added to my fear of failure. I have had to give speeches in three other classes so far, including two English classes and a chemistry lab. I didn't love any of them, but I practiced beforehand and didn't do too badly. As long as you are well-prepared and remember to breathe, you will be fine.
9. 
   Feb 21, '13

   2nd career RN. My 1st career included hundreds of presentations to audiences that ranged from 1 to 1,000. Big & small companies, ceo's to regular employees, consumers, local/state/federal/foreign governments, mostly receptive, some hostile. Public speaking is scary but can be managed and you can grow to love it.
   
   My suggestions:
   
   - know your material. Note cards are ok for referencing but don't read from them.
   - if an audience, size doesn't matter, then divide in quarters, pick a target in each and pitch to them in order. As you scan from target to target, you'll "make" eye contact with the entire room.
   - have water available. Dry mouth or a cough can be fixed.
   - don't lead with a joke unless you're a natural comedian.
   - practice in front of a mirror and family/friends.
   - the more public speaking you do, the better you get. Like almost everything.
   - have fun with it. Be a star.
   
   Good luck.

   Last edit by emtb2rn on Feb 21, '13
10. 
    Feb 21, '13

    Go for it! I, too, dreaded public speaking, but became a lot more confident after my public speaking class. The best advice I can give you is to practice, practice, practice. Practice in front of a mirror. Record yourself giving the speech and watch for nervous things you do such as swaying, saying um, playing with your hair, etc. Have someone you trust watch you give your speech and have them give you tips and encouragement. You can do it!
11. 
    Feb 22, '13

    Fear of public speaking is the second most common fear in adult humans... fear of falling is #1.
    
    You're very normal. PPs have wonderful suggestions.
12. 
    Feb 22, '13

    It's the eyes on you that make people feel scared. Do a speech in the mirror first so you can get a sense of something looking back at you. If you have a pet, do a speech in front of it. They don't judge! Then, do a speech in front of your family. Then, do one in front of your friends.
13. 
    Feb 22, '13

    If you are open to meds, maybe talk to a dr. I have severe anxiety when I have to talk in front of people. Now I take Xanax and propanolol and it does wonders.
14. 
    Feb 27, '13

    First of all, we cannot give medical advice on this forum. Secondly, it's horrible that you would mention to a student, who is trying to get tips on better public speaking, the idea of talking to a doctor if they are "open to meds". Third, mentioning that "xanax and propanolol does wonders" is basically shameful for a college student to hear. Disgustingly suggestive. So you take medication for your anxiety, whatever.... how the hell could you tell a student that? And you are nursing school, huh? Great advise from a nursing student. It's one thing to say you have a medical condition and mention your treatment during a topic and it is one thing to tell a student to talk to a doctor if they "open to meds" because you take xanax. Maybe the poster should try to practice public speaking first. Disgusting.

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