Today in class we had a terrific experience learning the aspects that make a person a good or bad public speaker. We even got the chance to practice and get feedback from our classmates.
The public speaking issues that were addressed in class basically concerned those things that affect people’s ability to speak in public like nervousness and fidgeting. In addition we covered things that can help calm these kinds of reactions.
I really had fun listening, observing, and participating in class. The one thing I really liked was that people were open and willing to give both good and bad criticism. In addition, no one was harsh, disrespectful, or stuck up. Everyone attempted to contribute and help facilitate conversation.
The conversations we basically had were on our Action Plans and what we want to do. Also, we talked a bit about the class and the changes that we have come across.
In addition to class presentations we also got the chance to participate in several activities. The activity really hit the mark and a couple of my fellow classmates actually broke down. It is great to make friends and to care so deeply about them even though you have barely met them. There was so much that was covered through our activity on diversity. The whole thing took around three hours, but we played different games. Most of the games really required self-analysis. After this event people really felt closer and with much more to relate too.
Selene,
ReplyDeleteI’m reading in many of the blogs today about public speaking and how the things discussed and taught will make a difference in your abilities to speak in public. I’m also reading how these things will help you all when you make your presentations on your Action Plans.
All of this sounds good, Selene, but we have to be realistic. I’ve read a lot of books about how to be a great photographer but when it comes to going out in the field and taking the shots, that’s a different story. I’ll become a better photographer if I practice what I’ve learned in the books (a lot).
The same is true with presenting your Action Plans. Actually the problem is even worse.
Your problems aren’t really with knowing what to do. Your problems revolve around an actual fear of public speaking. And even though you’ve been tempered and been taught how to overcome those fears, implementing the tricks is a lot tougher than it sounds. It’s like reading about how to get all of the guys to fall all over you. Sounds good in theory but still, when you get right into the pack of guys, you get nervous and forget everything you’ve been taught. It’s human nature, Selene, and the only solution I know of is to practice in front of other people. The best way to overcome your fear of public speaking is to actually speak in front of the public. The more you do it, the better you get at it (at least in theory).