Week 1 Post 2

 In chapter 4, page 64, one of the topics was Consider Your Own Interests. When picking a topic, whether it is an essay, research paper, or speech I try to pick the easiest. I pick something that is understandable, and easy to talk about, even though it may not be my point of view. I make up common ideas around the topic, instead of choosing a topic and having ideas come to mind naturally. It seems that when I present my own idea, I feel like I don’t have enough resources and just take the easy way out rather than doing the work.

I need to choose topics that I have interests and believe in, instead of coming up with topics that the majority of people agree with. For example, controversial topics. Based on my topic, I will choose the belief that the majority of people would choose, just to avoid conflicting my point of view. By doing that, I run out of things to say and have no passion or interest in what I’m presenting. I also find my material very choppy, in the sense that it doesn’t flow.

The next time I have to pick a topic, I will brainstorm ideas and points that come naturally to me, and not think about what the audience wants to hear. I just find it difficult getting out what I really want to say, how I want to say it. 

Week 1 Post 1

Just thinking about what makes me apprehensive about public speaking, makes my mind jump in all different directions. In the chapter 2 reading, speech anxiety really explained it all. I experience the "quavering voice, shaking hands, increased heart rate" and most definitely nervousness. I guess what makes me so nervous is the uncertainty of my idea.  I over think my topic too much, and always wonder what the audience thinks about it, which would fall under the spotlight effect. When giving my speech, I feel like I’m being analyzed, which I am, but I also forget that’s what everyone else is going through. I seem to feel all the attention is on me, even after the speech is over.

I know it can’t be done right away, but if I practice visualization, relabeling, and relaxation techniques overtime I can become a more confident speaker. Before my next speech, I will start by taking calm breaths and trying to avoid nervousness and channel it into something else. I say this now, but I can already feel the anxiety building!!!

Hello everyone! I have been at Sierra College for what feels like too long! Public speaking is my most dreaded class, I wish it didn't exist. It is not only a prerequisite for me, but hopefully will help me get over my fear and make me come out of my shell at work a little bit. I recently started working in escrow, which most people don't know what it is. I constantly meet new people, and it's only a matter of time before I have to participate in meetings. It's very new to me and completely different from my last job of 5 years as a caregiver.

And I know this blog is late, but I thought getting familiar with blogger, besides the initial set up, before this week was an option! Sorry guys!