College debate

[Warriorsfan_]

I’m in this class which has nothing to do with debate but it’s a class activity and I really don’t want to do it . I can’t even force it . I’m not good at speaking in front of a class period but to debate just adds on more stress . Everyone in my group is talkative and speak very well and I feel like the weak link in the group . I want to skip class to avoid doing it . Honestly they don’t need me to be there . I would just be a waste of space .

 

[MainerMikeBrown]

Warriorsfan, do you think you can get better at speaking in from of a class and debate?

 

[Warriorsfan_]

Warriorsfan, do you think you can get better at speaking in from of a class and debate?

Honestly idk . Speaking in front of people has never been something I was good at . It seems worse now that I’m in college . I feel like I can’t even open my mouth when I’m around a group of people I don’t know .

 

[triceps]

As a senior in high school a similar situation cropped up in a class where public speaking wasn't supposed to happen. I was assigned to give a speech on the Great Wall of China and had to go second as my last named started with the letter B. I'm fine with speaking up spontaneously but struggle mightily with anxiety if I know ahead of time that I have to speak in front of a group. I told the teacher I couldn't/wouldn't do it and he said I wouldn't graduate if I opted out. This was in 1970, very little info on anxiety disorders and no compassion from the teacher. The first gal gave her speech on something and I refused the next day. Everyone else refused after that and I graduated. Just thought this memory might help with your decision.