— Can't Speak in Class.

Dear Can't Speak in Class,

The fear of public speaking is very common. In fact, there's a HUGE chance that several of your classmates are just as nervous. Maybe your teachers are too! Even though this debilitating fear is so widespread, you don't have to live with it forever. You've already gone through the hardest step: admitting that this nervousness thing isn't working out for you.

You've described your concern with public speaking and the negative impact nervousness can have, but it's up to you to decide if you want to change this pattern. While you're in college, your grades depend partly on your public speaking skills and comfort-level. After college, you may find yourself in situations that also require public speaking. Luckily, there are many people who understand this very common fear. Connecting with these people could be the first step towards calm and effective communication.

As a student at Columbia, you're a hop, skip, and a jump away from a whole slew of resources. One organization dedicated to helping people, like you, build communication skills and confidence is Toastmasters International, which even has local meetings in New York. For more information, visit the Toastmasters International's website. Another option is to take a public speaking course. If you're worried about getting a poor grade, drop by your professor's office during office hours to talk about your concerns. Or, you can take a trip to the Junior Senior Advising Center (JSAC) (or the First Year Sophomore Academic Advising Center [FYSAAC]) to speak with your advisor about the possibility of auditing the course, taking it at another college, or other ways to deal with your anxiety. You may decide that you'd like one-on-one psychotherapy to help you get over your nerves. Since you're a Columbia student, you can stop by or call Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) at x4-2878 to make an appointment. All of these options are available to you, if you decide to take action.

As you think about what the next step should be, it's important to remember your communication strengths. It's also helpful to hone in on specific situations where you're more or less nervous. For starters, can you think of times when you've spoken in front of a group without feeling as edgy? What about speaking with smaller groups or with one other person? What's that like for you? Does it matter whether you know the audience on a personal level? Do you feel less nervous when you're not being evaluated in a certain way (e.g., being graded)? Have you noticed how preparation and familiarity with material is related to un/easiness during a presentation? In addition, what are the pros and cons of seeking help? What would life be like if you didn't have this fear? What possibilities would open up to you?

It really seems that you're concerned with how your fear of public speaking has affected your life. At the same time, you also have an eye to the future. Many people have been in your shoes, and many still wear them, but it's comforting to know that there are many ways to get help.

Sending Hope,

Alice

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