Public Speaking Apprehension

There are many things that make me very apprehensive about public speaking. It is one aspect of school, and life, that I have never enjoyed. Before a speech, and even as I am writing it, I get very bad speech anxiety, which is as stated in chapter 2 fear of public speaking. The book describes some of the symptoms of speech anxiety being quavering voice, shaky hands, dry mouth, mind going blank, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, increased rate of speech, and sweaty palms. This is pretty much how I will feel right before and during a speech. I am also worried that what I say, think and write will be judged, which I shouldn't even have to worry about in this class, or in life anymore, but its only human to worry about what others will think of you. I think it is kind of strange that I have speech anxiety because I feel that I am a confident person, and I don't mind being around groups of people. Its only when I have to get up and talk in front of people in a formal manner that my nerves go through the roof. I really hope that this class will help me get over my speech anxiety and I will no longer be scared to talk in front of a group of people in other classes as well as in other aspects of my life. 

Hi everyone!
I have never don't a blog before, so this is all new for me! It seems very strange to blog under a fake name, so here goes nothing! This is my 3rd semester at sierra college, and I plan to apply for nursing school this fall. I just completed my last prerequisite over the summer. I have definitely procrastinated in taking this class, because talking in front of people gives me a lot of anxiety, and pretty much scares the crap out of me, which i have a feeling it does for a few others in this class so at least I'm not alone! Through this class I hope to overcome my fear of public speaking, because I believe it can help in my career as a nurse.

I look forward to getting to know all of you in this class, and I hope we have an awesome semester together!