It is the class that college students fear the most; something that makes stomachs churn a bit when reviewing a course schedule. It’s Public Speaking 101 (or Speech 101, or whatever creative, less scary name the school has come up with). It probably wasn’t on the list of things you were excited to do this semester. However, it is now a requirement in most schools, so if you want to graduate and move on to the real world, sooner or later you will have to.
Not everyone is born with natural public speaking skills. In fact, most of us really suck when we start (sort of like snowboarding or playing Halo). So when you walk into your speech class this semester, don’t think you’re expected to be perfect; most of the people around you are just as nervous and inexperienced. Just do what is asked of you and try to improve.
Personally, I think that one of the best ways to prepare for a class like this is to follow the advice of those who have already been through it. So, before I give you my advice, I would like to share the thoughts and opinions of some colleagues and alumni when I asked them what they would say to those of you who will be speaking in public this semester:
– “Have realistic expectations… Don’t expect to be perfect because we as teachers don’t expect that. What we do expect is that you try, practice, research and come prepared. But we realize that everyone gets nervous and makes mistakes, it’s totally normal! Students seem to think they have to be perfect during every speech and that stresses them out more.” -Professor Gina Herrmann, Bergen Community College
– “Come with an open mind. Prepare to feel accomplished after you’ve finally delivered a speech outside the park!” -Jim Vasil, student, Rider University
– “Keep calm when you’re presenting and if you lose your spot, just try to speak freely about the information…don’t apologize or let the audience know you missed out.” -Victoria Perniola, Student, Kean University
– “Remember that everyone in the class is on the same page, so don’t be afraid to speak up in front of your peers. Be confident, know your material.” -Shane Tonery, Student, Rider University
– “Relax, have fun with this! If you take the leap and get over your nerves, you’ll come out the other side with some valuable skills.” -Barbara McNair, student, Brookdale Community College
Thinking back to my first public speaking class, I wish I had some tips like these to ease my anxiety. The suggestions above are excellent and I thank all the people who were kind enough to contribute to this article. I’ve taken your suggestions and added some of my own thoughts based on my own experiences as a student and teacher. I hope you find it useful:
Choose the right teacher
Note that this is not saying choosing the “easiest” teacher. You want to choose the teacher who has a style that best suits your learning ability. Some teachers are a bit more relaxed in their approach, but if you know you need more push to get things done, then that type of person is probably not the best person for you. If you are anxious and uncomfortable, choose a teacher who makes you feel comfortable in some way. The first day of the semester is key to deciding if the professor and the environment are right for you; so make sure you pay attention, listen to the details about the class and what is expected of you. Get a sense of the professor’s personality; Does it match what you are looking for? Also, ask any questions you have after class to see how they respond. I have worked with many different public speaking teachers and most of them are very good at what they do, but they all have different approaches. Don’t pick someone who other students say grades easily, because while you might get a good grade, you’ll still be an awkward speaker at the end of the semester and beyond. Choose wisely. If you get a bad vibe during the first meeting, try leaving the class, changing sections, or seeing if the teacher will work with your needs.
Read your syllabus carefully
Many students enter the first class hoping to get the syllabus and leave early. Some do not even pay attention to what is in it. The syllabus is an important contract between you and your teacher. Review everything that is expected of you. You can plan ahead for how many speeches you will have to give and the grade each one will receive. If you’re unsure about something, or if an element of the syllabus makes you feel anxious, talk to the teacher after the first class. Never wait until the end of the semester to raise concerns that can be addressed right away.
try to have fun
When you are allowed to select your own topic for a speech, choose topics that you enjoy and understand; the ones that make you feel comfortable. It’s fine to choose something you’re already well-informed about, but you’ll likely still need to go looking for outside information. There is no point in choosing a difficult topic to try to impress the teacher, only to mispronounce the words or make a mistake. Many teachers will also implement activities to get you used to being at the front of the class. Many of them can be fun, if you keep an open mind. As for whether or not he will be thrown into the fire and have to speak during the first meeting, that is up to each individual teacher. I wasn’t that nice; if you were in my class you spoke from the first day.
Addresses
Good teachers will let you know what to do and how to do it. Some will even go so far as to let you know exactly what you will be graded on for each speech. I remember several students failing because they couldn’t follow the simplest instructions (like turning in a works cited page or having a folder for materials). Be sure to read the handouts related to assignments carefully and ask any questions if there is anything you don’t understand. Also, when you get a grade from your professor, read the feedback he or she provides and take it into consideration for your next speech. Here’s a little secret: We usually pay close attention to the areas we asked you to focus on in our reviews above.
Meet your classmates
The whole public speaking process will be easier if you make friends with others in your class. You can give each other advice and support. And when you get to know them, it will make the class more fun and take some of the pressure off of you. I have noticed that students seem to be more successful in classes where students blend well as a unit.
Practice and Prepare
Always practice your speeches before you deliver them. Whether you meet a classmate, parent, brother or sister, or a stranger on the street, ask them to listen to you give the speech several times. This will allow you to time yourself to make sure you are within the proper time frame. It will also help you identify any areas of the speech that need to be adjusted.
use your resources
Many schools have extra help available for speech classes. In general, professors don’t mind taking time to meet with you during the semester to discuss any areas of interest. Also, talking to other students in the class might help clarify something.
Finally, you can also contact me at [email protected] for voice inquiries. I can help you throughout the process from start to finish.