Speech

animasana · Mar 27, 2011, 12:29 PM

I have to give a speech tomorrow for my oral communication class. Most of the time I think about it, and I feel like I might do ok. My problem is I will feel generally fine but then begin to sweat and turn red in the face and become very overwhelmed with anxiety when I actually get up there to talk. I've rehearsed my speech countless times; I have the whole thing memorized! I'm just concerned I'm going to freak out and crumble in front of everyone when I actually have to give the speech...

My question is: Do you think it would be helpful if I took diphenhydramine (sleep aid / benadryl) before I gave my speech? I know how I react to it. I will be very tired, but I can still walk, read and speak clearly. I mean it's just a slightly heavier dose of benadryl. It does give me a kind of "tipsy" feeling like I'm more relaxed though. This is why I'm thinking about taking it. Do you think it would be a bad idea? I really can't decide. Has anyone else been in a similar situation?

Perna · Mar 27, 2011, 02:03 PM

I would think of it from the other direction? What could it hurt? I don't see anything bad becoming of it; you might want to go home and take a nap afterwards but, so?

I would also recommend having very detailed notes at hand. The last speech I gave (real one before a professional group) I was talking about my own life history and got "lost"/couldn't remember what I was going to say

Do you "like" your speech subject? Try to concentrate on your interest in the subject, and aspects of it rather than, "oh my gosh look at all those people; I'm giving a speech; I'm scared; I can feel myself sweating and my face turning red, etc.".

ECHOES · Mar 27, 2011, 02:19 PM

I think not taking it is a good idea.

You don't know that you will turn red and crumble, it is your fear.
This might be the time that you are confident about your ability to say the words you've prepared, knowing your classmates are listening supportively and knowing that it's not an easy thing for many to do.

If you take something, you will miss the experience of feeling and that may be the feeling of pride and accomplishment of a speech delivered very well.

sundog · Mar 27, 2011, 03:05 PM

Welcome ((((animasana))))) I know it's really hard, but, if at all possible, I would not take the sedative. You will feel soooo good afterwards if you get through the talk on your own steam. It will do wonders for your confidence! And you'll be able to build on that.

If it turns out you do have problems with anxiety while giving the talk, well, there is no shame in that and you could always take the sedative next time. But at least you will have tried.

I realize that either way you are trying and I really know what a big hurdle anxiety is. I'm rooting for you!!!

Good luck tomorrow!!!!!!!

Omers · Mar 27, 2011, 04:49 PM

I too would suggest no sedative. I used to make presentations for my ob a lot. If I took meds before them I was more likely to lose my place. I thin the most important thing is to take your time. If you can bring a bottle of water. If you start to turn red excuse yourself for a second and take a drink and a few deep breaths (just not at the same time please

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animasana · Mar 27, 2011, 10:14 PM

Thanks for the input. I know it's probably better not to take it. The only reason I'm considering it is that I've had experiences where I can give presentations pretty comfortably and some where I am just hopeless. It's so random. I usually always feel fine until that last 3 seconds before I start talking - mind goes crazy with negative self talk.

I can see it both ways. But I do agree that if I didn't take it, I would be able to experience the thrill of overcoming the anxiety much more vividly.

Perna- I do like my speech subject a lot. I'm talking about one of the elite runners that I idolize. But I always have the impression that no one else gives a **** about what I'm talking about. I know, in reality, they're just thinking "omg I have to go up there soon," but I still feel stupid when I'm up there talking.

We'll see how it goes tomorrow!

Cyran0 · Mar 27, 2011, 10:24 PM

Everyone already gave great advice so I'll just say good luck, I'm rooting for you!

Cyran0

sundog · Mar 27, 2011, 10:54 PM

Good luck!!!!!!!!! Let us know how it goes!!!

animasana · Mar 28, 2011, 05:05 PM

It went ok. I struggled though some parts, but I feel like I did a good job of pretending I was fine. I don't think anyone watching/listening could really tell I was struggling. After I left, I actually cried though because my teacher is just very belittling and made me feel so stupid. I know I'm not stupid but I just hate it when people talk down to you and treat you like they think you're an idiot. So whatever. I guess I did ok. It's over. I did my best. That's all I can do. I have to give one more speech in about three weeks so hopefully I can make that one better.

Thanks for the support though! I really appreciate it. I'm glad I didn't take the sleeping pill lol

It would have probably been a very weird...