Shiro's Hideout *new and improved*

[I Shall Engrave]

My advice is similar to yours - you have to force yourself to do it several times. It DOES get easier. Once you make yourself speak up or approach other and you get positive responses and feedback from them, it will show you that there is nothing to be afraid of. Communications courses in college are very helpful too, especially when you have a professor that encourages participation. The class will teach you to be more articulate and show you proper techniques for addressing an audience.

[Lemon Cheesecake]

Great advice, ISE ! the only way to gain experience is to do something over and over. The more familiar you get the more at ease you become.

[galled]

I think the thing that helped me most is when I came to realize that people were interested in what I had to say more than how I said it--which is the opposite of what the classes focus on. If you know your material, then the rest is much easier. Of course answering things off the cuff is whole other set of skills, but small steps...

[I Shall Engrave]

I believe in "form and content" - content being what you say and for, being how you say it. It's ideal to have both, but you should have at least one when you are speaking. I don't like to get into a debate or a discussion if I don't know the material. There are people who will nod and say yes without understanding what is going on and that bothers me.

[ShiroGEM]

I freak out whenever we have speeches in front of the class. ;v;
For me, no matter how many times I force myself, I could never get used to it. I could just become familiar with freaking out a little more. But hey, it sort of works... xD

[I Shall Engrave]

Just think about it. What is the worst that could happen? I bet most people in your class are too preoccupied with how their own speeches come out.

[galled]

I bet most people in your class are too preoccupied with how their own speeches come out.

LOL, that's sooo true!

[I Shall Engrave]

Remember your reaction when other people give their speeches. You probably don't think too much of it. You probably won't heckle the person or throw things at them. You will quietly listen, or tune out if it's really bad. That's the same way people will respond to you.

[murmurlade]

//pokes chris
i decided to just talk in yours-- don't wanna clog up the forum

[ShiroGEM]

MuRRR Welcome back!! hehe
//clings/I feel really bad for leaving this thread hanging for months. TTvTT

[murmurlade]

//flops on you
thanks! oh well, if ya ever decide to poof again I'll try to keep it up! if i dont poof myself, lol

[ShiroGEM]

you better not disappear ever again :C ill glomp you on Skype and never let go

[murmurlade]

psh you can't keep me away from skype
buuut i get tired of talking to people sometimes < v > also cool avi bruh

[Fishy Zako]

It's funny, I usually do the same thing and just lurk when I should try posting more often!

Oh, and hiiiiiii!

[murmurlade]

Hey there :> I moustache you a question, how are you today?