I’m thinking about dropping my speech class. I had a presentation today on a topic I thought would be interesting—music producing—but it ended up going really poorly. I was stuttering, avoiding eye contact, and at times, I didn’t even know what I was trying to say.
People told me they thought my ideas were creative, but my delivery was terrible. I spent three periods feeling absolutely humiliated. Normally, I don’t get embarrassed easily, but this situation was tough for me.
Now I’m unsure if I want to continue with the class. I’m worried that this experience will only make me more anxious about speaking in front of others. What should I do?
I’m really sorry to hear that you had such a tough experience. It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed after a presentation like that, but before you make any decisions about dropping the class, consider a few things:
Growth Opportunity: Speech class can be challenging, but it’s also a great opportunity to improve your skills. Everyone has rough days, and often, people are more forgiving than we think. Each presentation is a chance to learn and grow.
Support: Talk to your teacher about how you felt. They may have advice or resources to help you improve. You might find that they’ve seen many students struggle and can provide guidance on how to move forward.
Practice: The more you practice speaking in front of others, the more comfortable you’ll become. It might feel daunting now, but working through these experiences can help build your confidence.
Perspective: Remember that one bad presentation doesn’t define you or your abilities. Many successful speakers have bombed presentations before. What matters is how you respond and what you learn from it.
Take a Break: If you feel overwhelmed, it might help to take a moment to regroup. Talk to friends or someone you trust about how you’re feeling. Sometimes getting support can make a huge difference.
Ultimately, the decision is yours, but think about the long-term benefits of facing this challenge and pushing through. You might surprise yourself with how much you can grow!