Speech Class

Ana, don't worry about your accent. In my class, we had a student who had just moved to the U.S. from Africa. He spoke very fast and had a very strong accent, but he did just fine. I am sure you will too.

-Kimberly

Lisa1970,

I AGREE SPEECH IS THE WORST!!!! oh my gosh, i thought that no one would be able to relate to my feelings about speech until i read your post....i am so outgoing its not even funny and when i feel comfortable around someone i dont shut up..however, i get flushed and shaky just thinking about doing a speech...anyway , originally my major was computer networking...granted i ended up hating computers yet as soon as i found out speech was a prereq i began looking into other majors....what a wuss.....anywayz i decided to follow my initial dream of becoming a nurse...which did not require speech luckily.........BUT if it did....i would still remain in the program...i would just take it in the summer or on saturday...as another member said....or lastly, i would leave it to the end....deep down knowing that this is the LAST class i need to graduate would motivate me enough to get through it....hope this helps...

seri ; )

I like the idea of leaving it to the last semester. I am going to speak with my advisor about that. Thanks for the advice.

LOVE LOVE LOVE to talk. After you get to know your classmates, you will discover many of you feel the same. Focus on the friends you will make -- you will be able to support each other. Many times, you can pick topics for your speeches -- pick things that interest you. I gave a speech on making rum balls once (demonstrated & gave out samples.) Of all the difficult classes you have taken as a nurse, believe me, this one will be a breeze. I thought I could NEVER get through statistics -- changed my attitude and knew I HAD to pass for my BSN -- ended up doing very well. I changed my attitude and "OVERCAME THE FEAR." You can do it. OVERCOME THE FEAR. YOU WILL DO IT!!!!!

Originally posted by Lisa1970

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?

No it is NOT stupid. Public Speaking is the #1 fear of humans. It is feared more than death.

Your story is my story. I even blacked out in a speech class once. Never went back. Before that I gave one speech in High School and refused to go back. I needed it to graduate. (I graduated and they gave me a grade of C in my senior year for speech so they could graduate me. (I told them I'd stay in high school until I was 35 until they did graduate me, but I would not take speech)

Now here is my answer

Run do not walk to http://www.toastmasters.org. Find a club near you and go. They will teach you how to do this. They willl give you the skill you will need to get through this class.

Toastmasters program is not a college, trade school or other formal course in public speaking. There are no instructors, professors, or classrooms. No one's work is graded and no tests are administered. Toastmasters, members learn by studying the manuals, practicing, and helping one another. Learning takes palce in the Club enviorment. Club meetings are workshops were you study and practice communication and leadearship skills with others who are there for the same reason as you. You learn by doing and watching fellow members. You will build quick thinking skills an to give prepared speeches.

Join it is the most supportive speaking experience that you can experience. Attend every meeting no matter what.

Speech classes expect you to be polished without practice. You are graded on your very first speech. It is the only skill based class that expect you to perfrom well the first time. It is the only skills based class that does not give you plenty of in class practice in the form of extensive labs. It is a crock. I could go on. Toastmasters will help you overcome your fears and to give a polished speech, by the time your class rolls around, the very first time.

I was voted most shy in High school. I lookforward to speaking now. Listen to what they tell you at toastmasters and follow what they say. EVERYONE there wants you to succeed. No on will ever humiliate you there. As soon as you join ask for a mentor. Please, Please, Please go.

I feel TM is so important to your success that I did not read any of the answers posted. (now I will go back and do that)

I have been talking to my friends here and of course all my new internet friends & as for today, (may change when the class actually starts) I think that I can do this class. I have even started writing down some ideas. ( I feel better if I am as prepared aws I can be) Class does not start until the fall semester, but with all the support, I can't fail.

Thanks for all the help everyone.....It really does help

Lisa