Speech Anxiety

[Yami]

Okay,

So I'm taking a speech class at university right now and lately I've been noticing that, although I'm always anxious in that class, I get especially anxious when this one guy does his speeches. I think it's because of how loud he raises his voice and moves his hands around? It's been happening all the time now and he goes up right before me so it really puts me on edge. Could this guy's delivery really be giving me anxiety?

 

[janemariesayed]

Are you thinking that you could not deliver your speech as well as him? It sounds like you find him intimidating but you needn't be.

You are in the same class as him, and if you were not as clever as him you would have been put in a lower class. He is using his body language to silently tell people that he is there and he wants to be noticed. That's why he's waving his arms about. If you think about it, those are his insecurities. He's waving his arms about because he could never cope unless people were looking at him. It is so bad that he has to draw attention to himself. It's not enough for him just to deliver his speech.

So I don't think you have any reason to feel intimidated than him. You just think to yourself that the audience is probably feeling relieved to have you talk after having your predecessors'' arms waved about at them.

 

[Yami]

Are you thinking that you could not deliver your speech as well as him? It sounds like you find him intimidating but you needn't be.

You are in the same class as him, and if you were not as clever as him you would have been put in a lower class. He is using his body language to silently tell people that he is there and he wants to be noticed. That's why he's waving his arms about. If you think about it, those are his insecurities. He's waving his arms about because he could never cope unless people were looking at him. It is so bad that he has to draw attention to himself. It's not enough for him just to deliver his speech.

So I don't think you have any reason to feel intimidated than him. You just think to yourself that the audience is probably feeling relieved to have you talk after having your predecessors'' arms waved about at them.

Now that you mention it, it could be intimidation. I do end up feeling like I have to be as loud and as animated as him after he'd finished since I'm right after him. But you're right, we're two different people and I shouldn't feel the need to deliver my speech exactly like him. Thanks for the insight and advice !


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[misszerable]

Guys usually have louder and fuller voice than girls so don't let that situation affect your own delivery. Voice volume and gestures have their place in speeches. You're in a speech class and it's a big opportunity to learn how to deliver effective speeches. Besides the professor, you could be picking up good points from the guy before you and from other students in the class. They can also pick some tricks from you if you deliver your speeches your way. Think of it as a learning journey and not as a competition. With proper preparation, you'll gain confidence and shine on your own.

 

[janemariesayed]

@misszerable has a very good point. everyone in the class can watch all the other pupils and learn from them and the speeches that they make. Listening to the professor too will help you to learn to deliver a great speech.

You are an individual so no one's speech is going to be the same as anyone else because we are all different. we all have our own way of doing things.

If you are feeling that your speeches are not effective, you may be able to have a quiet word with your professor and ask him where he thinks you can improve. Don't put yourself in comparison with the other pupils though, watch them and take from them what you like, and use what you do like.