Public Speaking classes

[Moonie]

I have one more semester to go before I graduate college! BUT I am pretty terrified about the courses I will have to take next semester. I am taking 4 classes.. One is a senior psych seminar that will probably be discussion oriented and the other is plain out Public Speaking (it is a requirement here.)

I have had some classes that involved presentations before but they were't huge parts of the grade. I also (shamefully) drank before a few of them. Anyway, has anyone had to take these sort of courses and how did you deal with them? Thanks!

 

[van_sp]

I feel for you Moonie. Mandatory is a bad bad word. I signed up for a public speaking course last week and I have another class tomorrow night. The great thing about it is it's voluntary, meaning I don't have to make a speech at all if I choose.
I would recommend you research cognitive behavioral therapy, (to reprogram your brain), and check out to see if there are any public speaking groups to join in your area, for people with a sensitivity to public speaking.
If you can't find a public speaking group for people with anxiety in your area, I hear Toastmasters is full of social phobes, so you'll fit right in. I believe there are as many toastmasters groups as there are Starbucks so you will probably fair well...
Also look into anxiety calming herbs such as Valerian, Passion flower, and Lemon Balm.
If you give yourself a head start, you should be much farther ahead...wish ya luck