A person can feel singled out...
Public speaking can be the most terrifying experiences a person can endure. There are books, essays, and professionals all dedicated to teaching a person how to speak publicly. The website anxietycoach.com states "Fear of public speaking is the most common of all phobias." It is a task that a person takes part in every single day, but when it is in front of more than one or two people it takes on a whole new persona.
High schools are doing very little to help this phobia among its students. Most schools have a "speech" class for seniors, but by that point the fear has grown to something that a student cannot handle. If this class was required as a student in junior high or even as a freshman; the problem would be much smaller.
The teachers of this senior speech class do what most other teachers do, and that is repeat the information out of their special teacher's edition book and expect the students to be able to perform. A math teacher can say " 2 plus 2 is 4" and the kids will be able to remember that, but a teacher can NOT say "give a speech on war, without stuttering, or being afraid." Speaking in public is something that needs to be analyzed, and discussed in a personal matter. A bright and promising student with little or no speaking skills still has a major hurdle to climb. They have to have someone there to support them or else they will fall by the way side and wont be able to show others their promise of a successful future.
High schools are doing very little to help this phobia among its students. Most schools have a "speech" class for seniors, but by that point the fear has grown to something that a student cannot handle. If this class was required as a student in junior high or even as a freshman; the problem would be much smaller.
The teachers of this senior speech class do what most other teachers do, and that is repeat the information out of their special teacher's edition book and expect the students to be able to perform. A math teacher can say " 2 plus 2 is 4" and the kids will be able to remember that, but a teacher can NOT say "give a speech on war, without stuttering, or being afraid." Speaking in public is something that needs to be analyzed, and discussed in a personal matter. A bright and promising student with little or no speaking skills still has a major hurdle to climb. They have to have someone there to support them or else they will fall by the way side and wont be able to show others their promise of a successful future.
They can relish the challenge...
The strict and rigid structure of a high school's curriculum does not allow much variety in how a teacher applies the material to the students. This subject, being so feared, needs to be taught in different ways because every student is different. The following list is a compilation of different ways to approach this subject:
1. Begin with a simple one-on-one speech. Make it short so the entire class is not losing focus, and have them practicing their speeches. A simple two minute speech with just the student and teacher could ease some tension a student might be feeling.
2. A small group speech. This includes 4 students and the teacher. This allows the student who is speaking to talk in front of a few peers that they are semi-familiar with and the teacher for grading purposes. This allows the student to actually be in front of real people but not so many that they have an overwhelming sense of fear.
3. Split the classroom between boys and girls. At this age in the students' life, they are more comfortable with the same sex as opposed to the opposite sex which they are trying to impress. This allows the student to talk in front of more students but not quite the entire class. Their anxiety may rise but it is in gradual steps.
4. Lastly, a class presentation in front of everyone. This makes the student speak in front of everyone, but with their prior steps they are bound for success.
These steps may seem small but if a young person has confidence in themselves to speak publicly then they have a major weight off of their shoulders. A person who has no fear of making speeches in front of large amounts of people can do anything; they can be political figures, motivational speakers, or even teachers who want to help others with this phobia.
1. Begin with a simple one-on-one speech. Make it short so the entire class is not losing focus, and have them practicing their speeches. A simple two minute speech with just the student and teacher could ease some tension a student might be feeling.
2. A small group speech. This includes 4 students and the teacher. This allows the student who is speaking to talk in front of a few peers that they are semi-familiar with and the teacher for grading purposes. This allows the student to actually be in front of real people but not so many that they have an overwhelming sense of fear.
3. Split the classroom between boys and girls. At this age in the students' life, they are more comfortable with the same sex as opposed to the opposite sex which they are trying to impress. This allows the student to talk in front of more students but not quite the entire class. Their anxiety may rise but it is in gradual steps.
4. Lastly, a class presentation in front of everyone. This makes the student speak in front of everyone, but with their prior steps they are bound for success.
These steps may seem small but if a young person has confidence in themselves to speak publicly then they have a major weight off of their shoulders. A person who has no fear of making speeches in front of large amounts of people can do anything; they can be political figures, motivational speakers, or even teachers who want to help others with this phobia.