Public Health Educator,but I'm so afraid of public speaking ?Need advice.

[Back2Nursing09]

I'm researching different Health related careers and I came across Public Health not too long ago.It sounds like something I might enjoy,but I'm so afraid of speaking in public.I can't let this hold me back though.I remember being so afraid to speak in front of my classmates in speech class (in college) even though they weren't intimidating.At the end of the semester,I was one of the best speakers in the class and I earned a A for the course.My professor along with other people have told me that I'm articulate and that I had "poise." I want to use these traits and maybe even develop them even more.Like I previously mentioned in my other threads,I'm into Health,NOT Technology,Art,Law or Business.I interact welll with others,although I'm not very talkative.I wouldn't say I was shy,just reserved :-).I don't know why I am so afraid to speak or read aloud in public.I think I have some type of medical condition like anxiety or something.I have prehypertension and I'm only in my 20's.Any advice? Does this job sound suitable for me ?

[Back2Nursing09]

Been there, done that. I don't get up and lecture, I talk with the audience, make a joke...even something corny to break the ice. If need be I tell how the information I'm presenting has impacted my or somebody Else's life. Even if you bore the audience, they'll just go to sleep. Many very famous actors even take a dose of Inderal for stage fright. I hear what you're saying, and I was at least as bad. You can overcome this with less practice than you think. Make sure you know the material, practice beforehand, and get on stage and let loose. Use the audience for your own entertainment. Somebody usually has something useful to add. If they stump you, just tell them you'll research it and get back to them. If you just don't want to overcome this, just avoid it. Don't make excuses. You're no different than everybody else who had stage fright. Either put a little work in to conquer it, or admit defeat and move on. The choice is yours, nobody can do it for you. Just don't stay all stressed about it like you are now. Make a decision.

I'm so bad at joking lol I don't know what Inderal is; I'll look it up.I must conquer it or else I'll never truly live.This career seems like one I'll enjoy.If it becomes too much for me then I'll move onto something else,but I have to give it a try.I've been told that I speak clearly and that I'm articulate .I have to put those qualities into use.Plus,I don't think that I'll have to make presentations all the time.There are different settings I could work in so I'll try to get myself into the one that will most likely not require me to make presentations on a regular basis.

[anurseatlast]

You are not alone in your fear of public speaking. Studies show that more adults fear public speaking than death! Even very experienced public speakers get nervous sometimes but the more you do it, the easier it gets. I agree that toastmasters could be a big help. You get experience speaking in front of a smallish group of people who are also trying to learn public speaking. You will get a lot of tips and have positive experiences that will help you for the rest of your life. (I taught my daughter at home through high school and required her to do 4 years in the home school toastmasters group. She was not happy at the beginning but I told her she would learn important life skills. Throughout her college experience, she realized how true that was. She is now a grad student doing some teaching and is able to do it without fear because of her experience.)

The other thing that will be helpful is to find a mentor with experience in public speaking who can encourage you along the journey. Before long, you will be the experienced speaker and others will ask for your advice.

[Back2Nursing09]

I think I might give Toastmasters a try.The membership is not expensive at all and you meet only twice a month.This will not cause a conflict with my schedule.I want to make sure that I fit into the age range of the members.I'm in my 20's,but judging from their website it seems like the members are quite older.Anyhow,this is something I'd like to try.It's time for me to come out of my shell and exercise my skills....How long is the program ? I read that you pay every 6 months ?

[anurseatlast]

The age of Toastmasters members varies widely. Even if the members are mostly older, they may enjoy having someone younger in their group - don't let age stop you. Although the focus is the same, each group will have its own personality so, if you don't like the first one you go to, try another group (if there is one in your area). All the groups will be interested in helping you learn to speak in public - that is their mission. Don't know about the dues but I do not think it is expensive.