shy

[mushroom1]

I am considering going back to school, but I dread public speaking. I mean, I REALLY dread it...to the point of not going back to school. (I turn bright red, can't think etc.) It is probably the main reason that I didn't graduate college 20 years ago. Any ideas? Thanks.

[george52806]

I realise you probably have a fear fobia concerning this public speaking thing. I recall when I was in high school I entered a contest and froze on the stage but I was reminded that the people out there do and say almost the same things I do, they really are not diferent their people and you know people can be loving or twerrable thats just the way the world is.I guarantee you once you have their attention you can almost mold them. Good Luck GEO.

[michelle123]

Hello
First of all congradulations for considering going back to school. Secound don't let the public speaking issue stop you. It seems to me that this is just another lesson in life to overcome. I come from New Zealand but I assume western countries run the same support for students.
SuggestionS:
most collages have a counsellor to talk to, go visit them, they could help you overcome your fear.
Join or start a adults returning to school support group.
Join the student help centre, they could coach you through your fears.
So get support, find out ways to overcome it, or at least manage it so it doesn't stop you doing something you want to do! If the above isn't enough for you to get over it, maybe going to counselling for a while may help, it may be connected to some deep issue. I hope I haven't been to pushy, that isn't my intent, I write from my own experience as I too am shy. So goodluck.
michelle

[laci]

I know this sounds cruel.
But I've heard that the more you do it--the easier it becomes--red faced and all!
When you stop caring about what everyone thinks, it becomes easier. Or if you're afraid of being questioned, that'll make it harder.
Those are two obstacles to work on.