Speech

I got distracted for a few day, but I'm back! The spring semester of college started this week, which means that I'll be graduating with my Associate's Degree in May. There are great things in store. Of course, my graduation depends on my ability to not have a heart attack before the semester ends. That might sound very dramatic or hyperbolic...it is. But at the same time, I've never been more stressed about a semester. I've had huge papers, deadlines, and presentations before. That's just how college goes. I've also never thought of myself as being afraid of public speaking. Granted, I've never been amazing at it, but inadequacy doesn't equate to fear. So I took a Speech class this semester to improve my speaking and build confidence.

Boy, was I in for a surprise. A speech class is, in fact, very different than giving a presentation one time in a class. On top of that, most professors I had in the past graciously scheduled the speeches for the end of the semester. You get no such luxury in a speech class. Unless you're lucky, you don't get time to get to know your classmates before you have to speak. I wouldn't describe myself as shy. I was the kid all through school that always got yelled at for talking and distracting people. My friends will tell you that it can be difficult to shut me up sometimes. I do, however, take a while to feel comfortable in new social situations. I won't talk often unless I feel comfortable.

Luckily, I know all of this about myself so I know what I can do. It's a small miracle that a decent portion of the class dropped it.* I need to feel comfortable. I don't dread speaking at all...until I stand up and start speaking. Then things get a little awkward and it falls apart. So if I get to know more people and convince myself that I can tolerate them, I should be on the right track.

To any of you in speech classes: I feel your pain. Don't let it get you too stressed!

*I suspect that it has to do with the professor. I had him in a previous class and he's (I mean this in the most respectful way possible) kind of an asshole. I don't think he is, that's just what I've been told. So if he is, I guess he's my favorite sort of asshole.