I have a confession to make...
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It may not be very noticeable on the blog, but in real life, I am a total nervous nelly, particularly in public speaking... I always have a hard time gaining the confidence to speak up in public situations!
I feel much more comfortable conversing one-on-one rather than taking the spotlight in a group situation, even small groups of four (unless I've had a few drinks- then I'll say anything to anyone).
I'm always in awe of people who can come up with a brilliant little speech off the top of their head with the pressure of a hundred eyes watching (aka Josh). I watch the words rolling off their tongue as natural as can be, their body language signaling complete relaxation, and their personality shining through brighter than ever.
Me? I've always been better with a thought out script. Without a practiced plan I'm a jumbled, stumbling, face-palm-worthy mess.
For example, my previous receptionist duties have included making announcements over the intercom. An intercom, for goodness sakes... just my voice. But even still, every time I was asked to do that I wanted to hide or ask someone else to do it (and I did actually make other people do it most of the time!). If I was going to do it I had to write it out first, practice, almost die before I finally did it, then take deep breaths afterwards promptly needing a cigarette.
(I know, I'm such a freak.)
So, I just learned I'll be giving a 2-3 minute speech during each of my Oral Communication classes for the next five weeks. Even though part of me desperately wants to improve this side of me, I can't help but cringe at the thought of it. I know it all relates back to positive thinking, confidence, and just believing in myself. I'm pretty sure that's going to be a lifelong battle!
But, you know what made me feel a bit better during class tonight? Knowing there are other freaks like me. Famous ones!
Maybe they're not as nuts as me, but it's nice to see such successful people that have overcome their fears of public speaking...
I don't know... a shot of vodka before couldn't hurt.
And guess what?! You totally rocked your vlog last week which was posted for all 683 of your current followers AND THEN SOME! You go, girl!
ReplyDeleteVodka does help, but, I think you'll be just fine. Deep breaths and self affirmations!
ReplyDeleteEvery single time I speak in public, even though I am prepared and semi confident I think, " Can anyone here tell that I'm faking this whole adult thing? Can they see that I'm actually an 11 year old wearing an adult costume? "
Um, I hyperventilate and break out in hives if I have to speak in front of lots of people looking at me. And you think I'm joking. I seriously HATE IT so I'm totally empathetic, lady!
ReplyDeleteBUT, I do have faith in you and you will do a GREAT job. Just imagine everyone sitting on a toilet, pooping, and you'll do just fine. ;)
Oh and PS.... you know how you were saying that you're reading 50 Shades of Grey on you Kindle? This video isn't great quality but it made me think of you! LOL!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DW-4Fn-d9OY
ReplyDeletebhahahaha, shot of vodka lol
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that famous people would have that fear! I always thought that they would be so comfortable they HAD to get into a career that involved public everything.
I am about to get real with you for a second: I grew my confidence in this sort of thing by realizing that every else that I am speaking to farts in public....so that doesn't make them better than me. lol I guess it was my equivalent of the 'imagine them in their underwear' sort of thing :) :) :)
Good luck girl!!
I am not sure if I am any help since public speaking is never anything I struggled with. But maybe you can practice more with us in some vlogs? We can be your practice audience. :) I know you will rock it!!!
ReplyDeleteYou can join a local Toastmasters Club - many large companies have Toastmaster clubs on site. It's an international organization and they help you with your public speaking skills and impromptu speaking. I was a member for a couple years and it was a tremendous help!
ReplyDeleteshot of vodka! Haha.
ReplyDeleteSometimes you just need that little bit of courage to help you :)
I am the exact same way! I had a group presentation thing I had to do this semester and I didn't even have to say anything but I was still super nervous! All I had to do was stick my head out of the mural we painted and smile and I was nervous just doing that!
ReplyDeleteOh honey, I am exactly the same way! I got a C on my senior project in high school because I had to use notecards when they told us we weren't allowed, and I effed that up too! I'm still not over it, but I've definitely become better...but doing announcements like over an intercom would freak me out too. I think you'll get over it someday, but if not, that's okay too! We can just leave the public speaking to the people who actually enjoy it ;)
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Joelle
I know I'm not famous but you can add me to that list!
ReplyDeleteI am TERRIFIED of public speaking! I used to calculate what my grade would be in a class if I skipped the speech days hahaha AWFUL.
Seriously make me shake just thinking about it...BUT you can do it :) Like Linds said...you rocked the vlog!
LOVE LOVE!
xo
I have that exact same confession! I am a total wreck when it comes to public speaking! I am definitely not one of those who can come up with something on the top of my head either! I don't know how I ever made it through my speech communications class last year, however I do know that taking it online was probably the best thing I've ever done!
ReplyDeleteOn to the vlogs, I have done one and I probably did 30 takes before I actually posted it!
Good luck with your class! I know you can do it! xo
Happy Wednesday!
Most of the creative people I know are nervous about public speaking or socialising in general with large numbers (myself included). People are either suits or jumpers... Think we are more jumper than suit!
ReplyDeleteGood luck though. Your certainly no freak.. Your just sticking to what your good at... What's wrong with that?
I definitely have this fear. I even hate talking on the phone; I always have to psych myself up before I dial and my heart races in anticipation.... Blah... I hate it. I've been a receptionist too and that was definitely my least favorite part of the job (that, and turning down salesmen that walked in the front door).
ReplyDeleteInteresting enough, joining choir in high school helped me start to overcome this fear. I was SO NERVOUS the first few times we would sing in front of people. I still can't do solos, but now after 3 years in h.s. and 4 in college, get up there in a choir doesn't bother me anymore.
I still get nervous to make speeches, or even to speak up in a meeting, but I do a trick that makes it easier. I pretend that I'm not nervous. I read somewhere that a LOT of actors are extreme introverts but that acting allows them to become someone else for awhile, so that for those times that they're acting they can be outgoing b/c they're someone else, so to speak. So I just tell myself when I need to make a speech that I'm someone who doesn't get nervous. It actually really works!
shot of vodka before wouldn't hurt lol. You should link up to my blog today :) http://ineverylittlemoment.blogspot.com/2012/05/confession-wednesday-6-link-party.html
ReplyDeleteI'm terrified of public speaking too! It's something I really need to work on.
ReplyDeleteShelby♥
Yes!! Bahaha, I take it you got my comment from the other post ;)
ReplyDeleteFace your fears...Proud of you!! :) The thing that is important that always helps me to remember is that everyone else is probably just as nervous as you are (if not more).
<33
I can relate to this fear so much! But your vlog was so awesome. I wish you luck with this.
ReplyDeleteI know it's hard...but just doing it and getting the practice really helps. I also prefer speaking about something I know inside and out...because then I don't have to worry about getting stumped or not having the right thing to say.
ReplyDeleteGood luck girl :)
I have the same problem.. I have to give an important speech in a few weeks and I am totally freaking out already!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll do a great job!
Yikes! You're going to do great. I know I mentioned one before but a good tip is to just focus on one person, act like that's the person you're talking to. If you have 2 friends in the class, pinpoint them and when you're supposed to make eye contact, make them your go-to people.
ReplyDeleteI have a HUGE fear of public speaking, too! I'm a teacher, so I should not be afraid of speaking to large groups, but it terrifies me! I had no idea those celebs were afraid of public speaking, too, that helps knowing that! You will do a greta job on your speeches in class, hopefully that will help you conquer you fear a little bit at least (if not more!).
ReplyDelete