How to Fail Public Speaking

ENGL2003, public speaking, is a class we all need to take at some point in our time here, and for some reason it is a class many of us dread. Some students want to know the secret behind the class before they get there. Others ask fellow students for information on the class’s difficulty, professor, and grading system. So, to lower concerns, I had a short interview with Professor John Deitrick, who runs the course. He offered me an encouraging phrase: the class is “hard to fail.” So I decided to put together a guide for those students who are up to the challenge.

This is how to fail Public Speaking.

1.) Don’t take the class seriously – There’s no reason for commitment when you’re trying to fail a class, so goof off and make this your study hall.
2.) Don’t bother showing up for class- It’s only important that you’re there to speak, right? Actually, scratch that, just don’t go at all.
3.) Don’t do the work- This means any work. Don’t write an outline, and don’t do your student evaluation or practice. Think (briefly) of your topic, walk up to that lectern, and discuss it!
4.) Don’t take advice- Ignore any suggestion given by your partner or the professor, it’s useless information that won’t make you more successful.

Although this might be the perfect guide to failure, it seems the real concern students have upon enrolling in public speaking is how do I pass? Many students have asked me about the class as I am currently enrolled, and they’ll ask me how to simply pass the course so they can move on to the rest of their program. Of course, if this is your concern, then you already know my guide above is meaningless and wrong. Well, thankfully, Professor Deitrick was willing to offer empowering information for those anxious students who want to get this course over with on this upcoming registration period.

1.) Professor Deitrick explained that the key piece of knowledge when entering this class is that anxiety is natural. All the students entering this course are in the same boat. Students enter this class with lots of anxiety and concerns. However, these students all have the same goal: to get through the class. So don’t worry about stuttering in a sentence or shaking too much, because it’s just a reflection of the fact that everyone gets anxious over a speech! Professor Deitrick suggests you use your anxiety constructively. Recognize that you’re anxious and make it your reason for practicing more and preparing for your speech. Professor Deitrick explains that to this day, when he does his commencement speech, he spends much time practicing and rehearsing his notes in preparation of speaking. He’s worked one on one with some students with extreme social anxiety and is willing to work with others for their success. He wants to see you succeed! Just keep in mind that practice will guarantee you to be more comfortable when you approach the lectern to speak. Knowing you have control and power over your words will help you successfully deliver your speech. If you’re still uncomfortable, ask for help!

2.) His next suggestion is to do the work! Research your topic when you need to, write out the outline, and keep that rehearsal at the top of your priority list. Remember to be in class when your evaluation partner is speaking, because evaluating that partner is also part of your work.

3.) Come to class! Professor Deitrick explained that there has been times when students excel in their work, develop great speeches and perform well in class, but simply do not attend. It is essential to be in class, even if you’re not speaking. Class participation is indeed part of your grade, and being there to support your classmates (who are again, nervous to approach the front of the room) and participate in asking questions or giving comments at the end of the class period, makes a big difference. Having excessive absences will almost nullify the work you have put into your speeches, so be there!

4.) Heed advice. The advice is given as constructive criticism and is not made to be offensive. Feedback is important to make you a better speaker and to help you improve the next time you speak. Don’t feel offended, let it empower you to be more aware of your mistakes and change them. It can only get better when you do!

5.) Finally, take the class seriously. If you try, you’ll succeed. This tip is true for any class, but especially for this one. Public speaking could be the easiest course you’ll face in your program next to First Year Experience. As long as you do the work and attend, you can succeed.

Public speaking is not a class to be feared. The work is not difficult or excessive, and people aren’t going to throw rotten tomatoes your way if they aren’t fond of your speech. If you take your time and do your best, you’re sure to succeed. Professor John Deitrick has had experiences with several different kinds of students, and he has assured me that there have been no deaths from anxiety in his class and that most people make it through. So if you’re considering public speaking as one of your class choices for the fall, let this guide encourage you.

The professor is there to help, not hurt, and you will make it through. Your classmates will inform you about things you’ve learned nothing about, you will get through the class altogether, as almost a team, and although you’ll be nervous the during the first couple of speeches, you will become more comfortable as time goes by. Perhaps the most important bit of information I can offer is that you need to develop your own opinion of the class when you get there. Don’t allow others’ input to make you afraid of the course. It’s not that bad!

Posted in Advice, Becker College News