Some people are born natural speakers that are able to present flawlessly in front of a group of strangers and are also able to form logical sentences when they are called upon randomly in class. While others wait anxiously for their name during attendance, listening as the first letter of the last names being called gets closer and closer to theirs, preparing for the speech of their lives. At last, they hear their last name, their heart drops, all eyes are on them, and they blurt out “Here!” Their eyes skim the room, and their nerves calm down. It’s over, and they smile to themselves over a word well done.
This is for them.
1. Solo presentations are a form of a long, miserable death
Your heart stops when you see the word "presentation" on your syllabus, and that it's worth 30% of your grade. The week before consists of a lot of self-motivating talks and minor panic attacks, as well as googling how to become a better public speaker. You rehearse every day, and then the big day comes. "This day isn't going to be like the rest you think to yourself, and make yourself believe that you're going to present flawlessly. Before you know it you're in front of the class and you're talking, but you're not sure what you're saying because your voice is shaking so hard. Then it's over, and the class reluctantly claps, giving you a sympathetic smile. "I'll get better next year you tell yourself.
2. Group presentations suck, too
Yes, they're better than solo presentations, but they also give you anxiety. You know you're the weak speaker of the group, so you try to make your part as concise as possible. You warn your group ahead of time that public speaking just isn't your thing, and they laugh it off, oblivious to the wreck they are about to witness. As your group members are presenting you can't stop thinking about how they good they sound, and you're apologizing to them in your head. When your slide pops up, you instantly forget what the project was even about. The flashcards you made to read off of are suddenly in another language. You start crying. Your group members start crying. The professor starts crying. The class laughs. You leave. And you never talk to them again.
3. You want to contribute to discussion, but can't
You all know that feeling of sitting in class intrigued by the discussion that's taking place, and contemplate raising your hand to say something. You wonder if people notice that you've never talked aloud before, and what their reaction will be. You also wonder if what we have to say is even worth saying aloud, even though you've been thinking about it all class. You have a war going on in your mind during the discussion, until that one person raises their hand and says exactly what you've been thinking. Regret fills your body, and you watch your teacher's face become pleasantly surprised and hear them say "that's a crucial point that I've been waiting to be made." You try to keep the tears from flowing.
4. Writing saves your grade
Thank goodness writing is a thing, am I right? Writing is a way for you to showcase that you are engaged with the material and have been participating in class, just not in a verbal manner. You also love online discussion posts because it's your time to show your classmates that you're not an idiot, you're just ridiculously shy when it comes to speaking aloud.
5. Ice breakers suck
It's the first day of school, and the last thing you want to do is say three interesting facts about yourself to a room full of strangers. You never know what to say, and it usually ends with you nervously introducing yourself and telling everyone your zodiac sign. Talk about a first impression.
To all of those who can relate to this, I want you to know that what you have to say is valuable and you're smarter than you think. There's nothing wrong with your quiet nature, but don't undervalue your opinions. I'm getting to the point where I can raise my hand without my heart beating ridiculously fast, so that's cool, and I know you can get there, too.
