Do you like public speaking? Are you as scared of speeches as I am?
Thursday, March 3, 2011
speechless
Through the magic of DVR, I have finally finished watching the Oscars. While many watch to fawn over the fashions and others are interested in the outcomes, it's hard not to admit that it is certainly a long night of a lot of talking. And normally, too many long, potentially boring speeches can make for a painful program but, for some reason, I watched this year's Academy Awards in awe of the winners and the way they accepted their awards. As Natalie Portman rattled off names and Luke Matheny brought about some good natured giggles, it made me think how much of a mess I would be if I was the one speaking on stage. 
{via} Speeches have never been my specialty. I'm sure they are worse in my mind than they actually turn out to be but going back to the memories of grade school and having to give speeches gets my palms sweating and my hands shaking just thinking about it. I remember making a speech about toes (Yes, you read that right...toes. Like head and shoulders, knees and toes. And that's exactly how my speech started...). While I was certainly worried about remembering my speech and properly pronouncing my words, my mind was so focused on gripping my cue cards as tight as could be so as to mask my shaky hands that I couldn't even remember if I had managed to make it through my material. Fast forward 15 years to my best friend's wedding and Ms. Shakes McGee returns, this time, with a death grip on the microphone and a nervous knot wrenching in my stomach. While I would say that the speech was a success, as I do remember getting a few laughs, which I think were with me and not at me, although I can't say for sure, I'm much happier as a spectator than a speaker. Leave the listening to me (I’m pretty good at that!) and someone else can do the talking!
Do you like public speaking? Are you as scared of speeches as I am?
Do you like public speaking? Are you as scared of speeches as I am?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
22 comments:
I was told that many people rank public speaking as their #1 fear. I had to take public speaking classes in college so it helped me feel more confident but there are some people who can just do it with ease and have great things to present.
I am a weird one and have never minded speaking in public. I took 2 public speaking classes in college because I liked them so much. My daughter says it's easier for her to stand in front of a large audience and speak than into a room of only a few people.
as a person who's work title is "communications manager" you wouldn't think i had a problem with public speaking...i mean it doesn't really bother me all that much thinking about it, but then when it's go-time, i'm red-faced, nervous, and i tend to babble. so yeah, it's a love/hate relationship for me :)
I'm alright with it, depending on the subject matter. As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, I'd be in bad shape if I had problems speaking in public, considering that's part of what I do with my life...going door to door and giving talks at our meetings! LOL But for casual gatherings, as long as I know the person I'm speaking about....FUN!
it's been a looooong time since i didn't any public speaking. i think my main issue is that i hate being the centre of attention and when you're standing in front of people talking, that's exactly what you are. that's one of the things i'm nervous about with the wedding, just walking down the aisle makes me a bit scared!!
As an opera singer, I have mixed feelings about speaking in public. Singing is pretty damn scary, but at least you are SUPER prepared-speaking, on the other hand, is much harder to prepare for! If I'm talking about something I know a good deal about, like a presentation for a class or a discussion on a subject, I'm good, but if it's more personal, I'm a total wreck!
I am the same as you! I'd say that it definitely depends on the audience, but usually I hate it. hahaha!
i think public speaking can be terrifying, depending on the situation. for some reason, a room full of strangers or a room full of friends are totally fine, but a room with a mix of people i don't know with people i sort of know is the scariest! when i'm teaching or acting everything is fine though. it's weird, and i guess just goes to show it's really all in our mind.
AMEN!! The thought of giving a speech makes my stomach turn. I gave a MOH speech last summer and I was nervous for weeks upon weeks going into it. She had to do the same for me though, 2 months later so that was kind of funny. I think I did a good job, she kept saying it was awesome and she's the only one who mattered anyway! I hated giving speeches in school, I'm right there with you!
Have a great weekend!
Natalie was so amazing and I love what she said. I dont really have a problem with public speaking and if I have to I usually try not to think about it before so I wont freak out...hahah..Wish you a relaxing weekend, darling
Kisses
hahaha so true. during the oscars, there's too much talking indeed.
i do public speaking but then i have this weird laugh when i do it. :/
Oh dear no, not a fan of public speaking at all! Which is kinda strange - I used to love ot back in school and could stand in front of the whole class speaking with no worries at all! Guess i grew out of that...
Have a lovely weekend :)
I am one of those weird people that actually enjoys public speaking. I used to be TERRIFIED of it but I was in a program in high school that taught me to really love it.
As long as I have precisely what I'm going to say written down, I'm fine with speeches. But I can't do them impromptu. And I know if I won an award, I'd be an absolute mess on stage -- I'd probably cry and say thank you a bunch.
I hated public speaking in college. I actually even dropped out of the class a few times because it petrified me. Luckily over the years I've gotten much better at it and have had to give speeches and presentations in front of hundreds of people. I still can remember the fear I used to have though. I almost didn't make it through college because I had such a hard time completing the class! :)
Hope you're having a fabulous weekend, sweetie.
Public speaking doesn't bother me at all but I think that moment and with nerves and excitement I would have to have something written down.
That is a cute story- I am sure your best friend appreciated you stepping out of your comfort zone to show her extra love!
OMG, I hate speeches! I'm totally with you on the shaky hands! :)
Natalie's speech was so wonderful! I'm envious of anyone who can speak in front of a crowd...and make them laugh! Well done on making the crowd laugh WITH you :)
Aww, this is beautiful !!
I love it !! ♥
xx
Henar
...OH MY VOGUE !
Aww, this is beautiful !!
I love it !! ♥
xx
Henar
...OH MY VOGUE !
I hate public speaking. It's required at my college and I've been putting off. It will probably be the very last class I take before I graduate.
i am!! so as part of grad school we had to take a skill that we needed improving on and that was the one i picked. SO DUMB. it landed me on a RADIO show which is way way worse than a room full of people for some reason. it was awful but i made it!
Post a Comment