Speech Class OVER!
Most Feared Class of All = OVER! (Well, I've given my last presentation, I just need to be a warm body for two more sessions.)
I was so incredibly scared of speech class. I was sure I would freeze, or sound like an idiot, or babble endlessly... in retrospect, I was basically worried about embarrassing myself, which has always been one of my bigger fears. Nice thing is, I took some risks this time around, and realized that not only could I do pretty well at public speaking, but that I actually rather enjoy it.
Four speeches:
Informative (I taught people a few napkin folds) -- 98%. A few very quiet "um" and "okay" vocal interruptions. Had a LOT of fun with this one -- drew all of the artwork for the visual aid, color-coordinated the art and the napkins, went completely overboard with the planning.
Humor (told a story about myself in chorus, and sang a couple of stanzas of a Noel Coward song from the 1930s) 100%. This is where I went out on the limb. I decided that I REALLY wanted to do the song, so I did. I was so sure I would look really stupid, but again, I enjoyed myself immensely. Didn't get many laughs, but I really didn't expect to. Maybe some chuckles. Got a nice comment from the teacher on the song, too.
Impromptu (had three choices of 'topic' words: tea versus coffee, yellow snow, and drive -- chose 'drive') 100%. Talked about having drive, being good enough, coasting through things, and finally starting to live, finding my drive. Had fun again, oddly enough.
Persuasive (argued that cell phone usage should be banned while driving) 100%. Had a real blast. Wrote a nice incendiary little piece, pulling out all the stops (I really did manage a 'do it for the children' even). Rehearsed it to death. Realized while the person before me was going that I was missing something and added a paragraph at the last minute. Even had fun with the rebuttal, although I was a bit blunt and abrasive a few times. The thing I'm most proud of, though, is that Marj told me that she NEVER gives 100% on the persuasives because they're never that good, but mine was sterling. Made me feel REALLY good.
I guess that now that the two classes that scared me the most are out of the way, it's time to look for the next fear and conquer it!
/bragging
Next classes: Ballet and Art History: Prehistoric through Gothic. I may add a refresher math course as well, because I'll have the time for it next term.
Q
I was so incredibly scared of speech class. I was sure I would freeze, or sound like an idiot, or babble endlessly... in retrospect, I was basically worried about embarrassing myself, which has always been one of my bigger fears. Nice thing is, I took some risks this time around, and realized that not only could I do pretty well at public speaking, but that I actually rather enjoy it.
Four speeches:
Informative (I taught people a few napkin folds) -- 98%. A few very quiet "um" and "okay" vocal interruptions. Had a LOT of fun with this one -- drew all of the artwork for the visual aid, color-coordinated the art and the napkins, went completely overboard with the planning.
Humor (told a story about myself in chorus, and sang a couple of stanzas of a Noel Coward song from the 1930s) 100%. This is where I went out on the limb. I decided that I REALLY wanted to do the song, so I did. I was so sure I would look really stupid, but again, I enjoyed myself immensely. Didn't get many laughs, but I really didn't expect to. Maybe some chuckles. Got a nice comment from the teacher on the song, too.
Impromptu (had three choices of 'topic' words: tea versus coffee, yellow snow, and drive -- chose 'drive') 100%. Talked about having drive, being good enough, coasting through things, and finally starting to live, finding my drive. Had fun again, oddly enough.
Persuasive (argued that cell phone usage should be banned while driving) 100%. Had a real blast. Wrote a nice incendiary little piece, pulling out all the stops (I really did manage a 'do it for the children' even). Rehearsed it to death. Realized while the person before me was going that I was missing something and added a paragraph at the last minute. Even had fun with the rebuttal, although I was a bit blunt and abrasive a few times. The thing I'm most proud of, though, is that Marj told me that she NEVER gives 100% on the persuasives because they're never that good, but mine was sterling. Made me feel REALLY good.
I guess that now that the two classes that scared me the most are out of the way, it's time to look for the next fear and conquer it!
/bragging
Next classes: Ballet and Art History: Prehistoric through Gothic. I may add a refresher math course as well, because I'll have the time for it next term.
Q