Speech Class

[Megson]

That was my trigger today. Speech. I can't handle talking in front of people, let alone a whole class of -mostly- strangers. We were doing impromptu speeches about a random topic. All we really had to do was give a little 30 second talk on whatever random noun the teacher gives us. Worse than it sounds, in my opinion. So, to ease some of the anxiety, I cut again. It was the first time in over 80 days, and I can't decide if it was worth it or not.

To tell the truth, this isn't my first relapse. It's just the first one I'm counting. I've done almost the same thing when I get too stressed, but the cuts were never bad enough for me to actually 'count.'

Anyways, speech is my newest problem. I don't know how to deal with it. The teacher is GREAT, but I just CAN'T talk in front of people. None of those alternatives (like snapping a rubber band) work for me when it comes to extreme anxiety or stress.

[SwaggLikeKeem]

I recently finished the semester passing a oral communications class. I was scared at the start but it had gotten better. By the end of the semester i passed with a B+. I, like you, hated speaking in front of people. I decided to face my fears and participate. The class will help you believe it or not. I now can talk in front of people with less anxiety. You would think i would be used to talking since I am on a youth council and vice president of another.

[Magenta]

Well, first the positives: 80 days is absolutely brilliant! So if you've done that (even with the small things you didn't count), you can do it again eventually. And small things are better than big things.

And no, it probably wasn't worth it but it happens. So I'm just going to be a little blunt here and ask: why are you taking this class?

I mean, it seems like a stupid question but I took a class at the beginning of the year and I realized that I had no idea why I was taking it if it caused me so much stress. I had to decide if combating this stress or just eliminating it was a better idea which is something to think about.

[Megson]

Well, first the positives: 80 days is absolutely brilliant! So if you've done that (even with the small things you didn't count), you can do it again eventually. And small things are better than big things.

And no, it probably wasn't worth it but it happens. So I'm just going to be a little blunt here and ask: why are you taking this class?

I mean, it seems like a stupid question but I took a class at the beginning of the year and I realized that I had no idea why I was taking it if it caused me so much stress. I had to decide if combating this stress or just eliminating it was a better idea which is something to think about.

Speech is a required course in my school. I forgot to mention that. I definitely wouldn't be taking it if I didn't have to!

[Magenta]

Speech is a required course in my school. I forgot to mention that. I definitely wouldn't be taking it if I didn't have to!

Oh, that would really, really suck. I just wasn't sure 'cause some people take courses just 'cause they look interesting or whatever reason then decide against it... I don't know, haha.

Well, do you have a friend you could practice with before you ever need to present something? That actually helps surprisingly well. Also, if you don't know the other students that well, just think of it this way: no matter what they think, you prolly don't see them that often so it doesn't matter. That's how I got over my stage fright. I'd never see majority of the audience again. Not quite the same but the idea can be twisted to fit the situation, I think.