I think that most colleges require at least one course in communication as a way to ensure that their students not only have the skills to successfuly succeed in their careers, but also to communicate those skills with other people. It is a way to show students how important communication is, and that it is not something to be afraid of. Most colleges and universities have certain goals for their graduated students, one of which being that they want their graduates to be well rounded and well educated individuals in society. Having great communication skills is a small but important step to achieving this goal.
I personally am a pretty good interpersonal communicator, that is to say that I can communicate well with others around me and my friends and loved ones. I am not however, a great public speaker. I sometimes clam up in front of crowds or studder, sweat, and avoid eye contact. These are skills that I need to improve before I can become a confident speaker, which is the basis for my chosen career path. My major is Elementary Education and of coarse, if i am going to be a teacher I need to be comfortable and confident in front of large crowds.
My most embarrassing moment occured in front of a huge crowd of highschool students waiting for the bus to pick them up from school. I was walking toward the school and looking behind me (while walking forward) to see if I could find my dad's car in the line of awaiting parents. I do this quite often, (walk without looking where I am going) so I consider myself pretty skilled at it; but on this day I was walking for to long without looking in front of me and I walked myself straight into a pole. I had turned around just in time to smack the pole with my face, actually my right eye. I had a black eye the size of the Pacific Ocean, and just as blue. Luckily I had my contacts in, otherwise that would have led to the demise of my glasses. I did not however, get knocked over, but there was a repulsive sound loud enough to be heard through out the school parking lot, thus ensuring that everyone in the vacinity stopped their conversations to stare at the freak who walked in to the clearly present pole.
Although I have always had issues with public speaking, I believe that this incident contributed to my nervous acts in front of people. I hope that this class will break me out of my shell and allow me to feel comfortable in front of strangers.
I feel the same way as you do about public speaking but I believe that with time we will both become better public speakers. I also plan on majoring in the Education field. My main goal is to become a Health and Physical Education Teacher but the only thing stopping me is my fear of speaking in front of large groups. Personally, I think it is more nerve-racking speaking in front of my peers than in front of younger kids. That is what I have noticed when I compare presentations at this University to when I observe at other schools.
ReplyDeleteI found your embarrassing story to be pretty common among people. I doubt we went to the same middle school but when I was in middle school I rode the bus. While waiting to leave I witnessed a younger classman do the same thing you did, run into a pole. I can understand how humiliating that was because at the time so many people made fun of him. I just thought you should know that you are not the only one who has run into a pole and I am sure there are many people that have or eventually will.
I think that you are very brave for sharing your embarrassing moment. Hopefully, this will allow you to become a more confident public speaker (at least in class), because the class has already heard about your worst moment. I agree that students need to be well rounded and I think that is one of the reasons that this class is a requirement.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to you. I am great at communicating with others, but I get quite nervous infront of a large group of peers. I am majoring in secondary education and I think it will be easier but I could be wrong. I can relate to the running into a pole too, parked cars are never friends. Thanks for sharing your most embarrassing moment!
ReplyDeleteI really like your reasons for colleges requiring students to take Communication courses. Our liberal arts education here at UWRF really ensures that we graduate as well-rounded individuals. It is so true that having a Communication course as a requirement will help students in careers and in life in general. It is great that you know that you need to become a better public speaker for your job. Realizing that is the first step to achieving it. This course will be great for helping you get over your fear.
ReplyDeleteI agree! Communication skills are a huge importance! I too am fine speaking around my friends but when it comes to large crowds I begin to freak out. It’s weird, since it kind of depends where I am. I am currently a Cocktail Waitress and I do fine in front of random strangers. Sometimes I’m not as comfortable walking up to a group of random members, asking what they want to order for drinks… But it always works out pretty good. You know from your tip ;)
ReplyDeleteAs for you going in Elementary Education, you’ll be just fine. I’m sure you’ve babysat before, and know that kids aren’t as nerve racking as adults. Good luck!!!
Ooo, the pole...ouch. The good news is that there is no pole at the front of the room to run into when you're giving speeches; the better news is that your classmates are all in the same boat so no one's going to be judging you when you speak. Plus, we're all beyond the middle school maturity level (hopefully, haha) so we know not to pick on people for accidents.
ReplyDeletePublic speaking does get easier the more often you do it, so a bit of experience in this class will really help you get prepared for teaching. :)