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Post by mattandchris on Mar 10, 2005 15:47:07 GMT -5
My son takes a speech class-required for everyone in order to graduate. Tomorrow he needs to give a 6-8 minute speech. He has worked hard and has a pretty nice teacher. His problem is that he talks so fast I can't imagine him speaking that long. The last speech he gave they first wrote a manuscript. She told them to write 1 page for each minute. Matt wrote 61/2 pages. We practiced over and over but by the time he gave the speech he spoke sooooooooo fast that it was only 5 minutes long. This class has been very good for him- since he is so unsure of himself. Here's hoping tomorrows speech is long enough. He is giving an informational speech on chinchillas. I think he knows enough extra stuff if he doesn't forget. Just thought I would share this-no problems or anything- just sharing.
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Post by d on Mar 12, 2005 10:21:30 GMT -5
I have to give a lot of presentations in my job. Did you know that speeches in front of a crowd is something like the #1 fear of all people? So, having your son do it so young is a good experience. I found that only by practice have I been able to overcome not wanting to get up there and talk in front of a crowd. But each time I do, till this day I get that feeling of dread in my stomach before doing it. If he has success it will be a great esteem booster.
How did he do?
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Post by mattandchris on Mar 14, 2005 15:38:52 GMT -5
He thought he did ok, however he did the speech in 4 and 1/2 minutes. It was suppose to be 6minutes. He didn't practice as much as he should have. The next speech is suppose to be 8 minutes. I told him practice is so important. Matt is a nervous kid and speaks sooooooooooooo fast. This should help him as he gets older. He is going FFA and I know that there are speeches in there, also he shows rabbits and needs to speak during showmanship. I know that I hate speaking in front of a group and it sure would be nice if he could get comfortable in front of a group. p*ace
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Post by swmom on Mar 14, 2005 18:01:02 GMT -5
I fear nothing more than giving a speech.
A client of mine asked me to address the fall meeting of their members one year. I did everything I could to get out of it. Nothing worked. I had to speak. l am terrified of public speaking. The thought occurred to me that in order to read from my notes, I would have to wear my reading glasses up at the podium. Somehow I found comfort in knowing that "something" would separate me from the audience. I know this sounds really weird but there was something about wearing those glasses that put me completely at ease. The glasses gave me something to "hide" behind while I was speaking. Yes, I know that's weird but it worked!
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Post by mattandchris on Mar 15, 2005 12:27:46 GMT -5
His next speech is suppose to be 8 minutes long. He needs to do a persuasive speech. He has chosen "Aliens do not exist" Get this - he does believe there are aliens. He needs to be dressed up- dress pants, long-sleeved botton down shirt (he doesn't even own one since he is always hot. We live in WI and he never even wore a jacket this winter), tie and dress shoe- another thing he does not have. He totally enjoys this class but his nervousness and rapid speech has made it hard to get a very good grade.
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Post by d on Mar 15, 2005 21:29:41 GMT -5
Tell'm to "work the room" before class starts. Walk to the front of the classroom to throw out a piece of paper, talk to the teacher, maybe greet a friend or ask friend for something, etc. before the bell rings or the class settles down. Whatever he needs to do to get into and walk the space (use of arms a bonus here) he will be giving his speech from.
Psychologically, if he "owns" or is familiar with the space he is giving the speech from, he will do better.
Honestly, it works...
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Post by mattandchris on Mar 16, 2005 9:41:56 GMT -5
That makes sense. I will relay this to him
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Post by mattandchris on Mar 29, 2005 10:10:48 GMT -5
Matt has another speech today. This one has to be 8 minutes- I know with how quickly he speaks and how nervous he is, he won' get it near that. He needed to dress up for this one. It was amazing how grown up he looks- he has on black pants, black dress shirt and a bright green tie. Matt wears his hair long, so I must say he looks pretty cool. The speech he is giving is a persuasive speech. His is pro-death penalty. I am amazed at how different our politcal views are- I lean pretty far left!!
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Post by rocco on Mar 29, 2005 11:35:11 GMT -5
I'm sending good thoughts his way. Hope he has a good experience with it (or should I say SLOW experience with it.) Regardless of his performance, this is great experience for him.
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Post by mattandchris on Mar 29, 2005 11:48:36 GMT -5
I too think this a great experience for his. He is a nervous kids and really speaks swiftly. This should help him a least not be as nervous in front of a group.
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