Public Speaking

Public speaking for me is a sort of love hate relationship. I am not anxious about speaking in front of groups of people, but there are times when if I am not prepared or completely comfortable with a class that I do get nervous. After reading through chapter 2 however  feel a little more normal knowing that I am not alone. I can definitely relate to many of the terms that the book uses as common issues with anxiety. The "Spotlight effect" is something that almost always trips me up when giving a presentation or speaking in front of a group. If I even mess up a little I become way too focused on the mistake and allow that to send the rest of my presentation into a downward spiral.
I can also relate to the "Uncertainty reduction theory". When I am in a new environment or around new people I tend to be more nervous then normal. I take those nerves and shut down and become introverted. Hopefully in taking this class however I can learn to work on some of these issues and become more comfortable speaking in front of class. I plan on practicing some of the techniques mentioned in the chapter to deal with some of my anxieties such as using positive wording instead of focusing on the negative (Relabeling). I know practicing my speech will help significantly with my anxiety.