Speech Class

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Is there anyone here who has/had to take a speech class? I am confident in most other area's, but giving a speech in front of a room full of people............ I don't think I can do it. This is sad to say, but I dropped out of school once before just because of my fear of this class. Stupid huh... I can cath anyone and carry ona conversation lol, but I am afraid of speech class...

Anyone else feel like this?

:confused:

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Specializes in Psych, hospice, family practice.

Hi, I took Oral Communications as a prereq before nursing school. I would get a little nervous, but doesn't sound like it's as bad as you have it. A physician colleague of mine, mentioned that he has used Inderal before such an event, I assume it works to control the physical reaction i.e. that fight/flight response that may be so intense for some people, hence the term "stage fright" I guess.

Good luck to you.

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I HATED speech class. I did take the class the semester AFTER applying to the nursing program. I figure I can pass any class, but didn't want something I wasn't sure about bringing down my GPA for the ranking into my program, saved Comp for that next semester also.

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I have to take a speech class as part of pre-reqs I have left over for my RN program. I think that's the class I am dreading the most! I agree with Lisa, I can talk to anyone, and can do just about anything except talk in front of people.

But...

This fear is rediculous! I refuse to allow my general fear of what people think of me to interfere with my goal of being the best darned nurse I can be! So, I will struggle through this class and deal with what life hands me!:rolleyes:

Anybody with me on this one? We can do this!;)

(I'll be taking my class either this coming fall or spring quarter)

Julie:)

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I took speech class and it was actually fun, but it was a summer class with a professor who wasn't usually at our campus. My sister and I took it together.

It will be fine. You'll be fine. Just take some deep breaths, try to relax. The first time is the worst. Towards the end of the semester, it won't bother you at all. Besides, what's the worst thing that can happen? You'll make a mistake? Big deal, everyone does. Chances are you're not the only one in your class that is nervous about public speaking.

Go forth and conquer!

:roll

Besides, Abraham Lincoln thought his Gettysburg address was a failure as a speech. Goes to show we're not our own best critics.

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hi,

I took speech class last semester and it wasn't that bad. To tell you the truth I was terrified at first to talk in front of the class. However, I realised that every single students in my class were scared to give a speech. Even students that are so called popular and talkative had hard time speaking in front of the class. Consequently, we said to ourselves everybody are on the same boat so we might as well make the best of the class.What helped me the most is that I practiced my speech a lot. I practiced so much that I still remember some of my speech from last semester. The thing is we are unable to give a speech because we are not confident of what we're going to say. I'm not saying we won't be nervous but not as nervous. Just remember your classmates can't give a better speech than you. They are also nervous to give speeches. Good luck and remember you can do it.

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Two things helped me when I took speech. First, I volunteered to go first. I figured that way not only would I get it over with quicker and then could sit back and relax, but also I knew that everybody else was probably worrying about their own speeches that they weren't really listening to mine so much. Also at the same time, I had seen a movie called "Defending Your Life". It is a silly movie with Meryl Streep and Albert Brooks. I don't agree with a lot of the movie, but the major idea is that these people have died and now they have to defend their life before they can move on. The only thing they have to defend is the times that they let fear stand in the way of doing something they wanted to do. It doesn't have to do with doing anything just because you are afraid, but rather not letting fear stopping you from your goals. In my class, we had to use 3x5 index cards with notes rather than writing out the whole speech. Maybe that is how they all are, I don't know. Anyways, I would write the words "Defending Your Life" on the bottom of each card and it would make me think of the movie. It really helped me. I don't know if this helps you or not, but hopefully it does. Good luck. I know you can do it. Also, don't forget that saying "The only thing to fear is fear itself." It really is true that what we build up in our minds is almost always way worse than the actual reality of it. It is definately true when it comes to speech class, in my opinion.

-Kimberly

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What Kind of things do we speak on? Is it an every week thing or just a couple of times. I pray to god that I have a small group. LOL maybe I can find a internet speech class lol :-)

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My husband thinks that I am being a baby, maybe I am. I will do this, but I will dread it until the class is over......

Thanks for all your support. I will definatly do mine first or at least second. Now I just have to wait for the fall Semester to start....

A whole summer of dread :-(

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Usually you have to give an informative, demonstration, persuasive and a few others, I forget now. Try to do your speeches on something you already know about or are interested in. For example, I used to be a dental assistant, so I gave my demonstration speech on brushing and flossing properly & bought those really cheap toothbrushes & passed them out to everyone. I gave my informative speech on the Muesum of Science & Industry in Chicago (I grew up there & have been there at least 20 times) I also had Comp 1 at the same time so I just rewrote my speech into a paper or a paper into a speech.

Also get a little recorder and practice over & over, even if you just have to read it the first few times. It will give you an idea of how long the speech is, usually there is something like 3, 5, & 7 minute speeches.

Here is a link that has a bunch of links for speech help.

Good luck, I made it you can too.

http://www.colin.cc.ms.us/flynn/Speech/Help_Sites_for_Speech_Class.htm

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Specializes in surgical, neuro, education.

Lisa1970

OMG. I just wet my pants: internet speech classes. I can see that becoming the norm. Don't let this keep you from your goal.

I would try to find a summer class or a Saturday class there is usually less students. Also they are all in the same frame of mind you are. Going first or second is the best. I usually go second. Then I can see what the rest of the class responds to. Try to use your eye contact, but don't focus on anything. I know this sounds ridiculus, but it works. You look like you are including everyone, but you don't get side tracked in your thinking.

When you practice, stand in front of a mirror. This will help you get over the idea of others watching you. The last thing to remember is --Who cares??? Everyone feels embarrassed and wants to get the class over and done.

Good Luck :)

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I took speech a long time ago (and thank God it always transfers)

I gave a recipe as an informative and brought cookies for the class... Since I was one of the first one's (my name was pulled out the danm hat...lol) half the class followed in my foot steps and started doing recipes... Our professor who was so uptight before even had fun and gave most of us B+ (which we heard that he never gives out)... So if you think of something really creative you can break the ice and have fun. Good Luck! And remeber : It's just A Requirement class...

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