I am a 22 year old female who went back to college this fall after a few years waitressing. Anyway, so I have to give these talks in my classes and I am actually terrified. I did one this semester and about thought I was choking on my words.
I can't avoid these class presentations. I want to be an Elementary school teacher. But just thinking about presenting to my classmates freaks me out.
Is there anything I can do to help me get through these frightening talks?
A friend offered me valium but I don't want to head down that road.
Molly
Tallahassee, FL
Your situation is not unique. Millions fear public speaking. It is our most popular phobia. You made the right choice in avoiding Valium. Drugs can help you get through the immediate fear, but they can also impair clear thinking and lead to a lackluster performance. Besides being addicitve.
The answer is Practice, Practice, Practice.
Here's what I suggest you do:
See if there is a Toastmasters International group that meets in Tallahassee, maybe even on the Florida State campus. Toastmasters is an old organization dedicated to the improvement in members' public speaking. Just go and observe as a guest. You may be intimidated by the expertise you see, but stick around after the meeting and you will meet very friendly people who will tell you they used to be terrified.
You can speak in front of people! As a waitress you are not phobic toward people in general. So think about joining Toastmasters. They will start you on a step-wise path toward self-confident speaking. The warm feedback and nonthreatening atmosphere will make it much less fearful. In time you will see yourself improve in other settings. You may even begin to like speaking in front of a group.
Good Luck!
Dr. Dan
