For some, public speaking is a breeze. But for others (like me), it's a nightmare. Though we acknowledge that it is an invaluable skill to have, we hate everything that it entails: being at the center of attention, hearing our own voices filling an otherwise empty silence and being plagued by the awful fear of forgetting or stumbling on our own words. For we all know just too well that feeling in the pit of our stomachs, an unwelcome mixture of anxiety and impending doom, the cold sweat that breaks out in the midst of our nervousness and the very noticeable shakiness of our voices. But as much as we try to avoid it, public speaking always finds a way to insert itself back into our lives. Below are just a few universal experiences that shy people can relate to in our encounters with public speaking.
1. Forgetting the words to a speech you’ve practiced day and night for
They say practice makes perfect. I beg to differ.
2. Playing hooky the day of your presentation
But of course no one falls for it.
3. Regretting a joke you (uncharacteristically) put into your speech
Because shy people don't make jokes. Or no one got it. Or you just weren't as funny as you thought you were. Or you didn't tell it right. (And in all honesty you forgot it was even there before you heard yourself tell it).
4. Being told you were too quiet when you were practically screaming
I guess no one noticed I was speaking twice as loud as I usually do.
5. Tearing up involuntarily
Crying? Me? No, no. Those weren't tears. They were simply the products of a miscommunication between my lacrimal glands and nasal cavity.
6. Perspiring at 60 degrees
Is it just me or is it hot in here?
7. Struggling to meet the minimum time requirement
But hey that's what filler words are for. And power points. And props. And pauses. (REALLY long pauses).
8. Thinking about nothing else
Oh what was that? Sorry. I couldn't hear you over my hyperventilation.
9. Praying no one will ask you questions
Can I go back to my seat now please?
10. Abiding by Rule #1: Keep speeches short
No word limit? Awesome.
11. Avoiding direct eye contact
Oh yes. That crack in the third tile of the back wall will do nicely.
12. Glancing up briefly to “engage” the audience
What do you mean I didn't engage? Didn't you see me look up after I finished my introduction?
13. I promise I didn't mean to read off my notes.
It just happened that way.
14. Delaying as long as possible, even when you know it'll only make it worse.
I'd rather be the first person to present tomorrow rather than the last person to present today.
