Group items tagged

While this doesn't deal directly with speech confidence, it does deal with an anxiety-producing communication situation. This is posted for those group projects that many speech classes have to do, written by a fellow speech professor.

For me this article is going to be a big resource. I struggle with filler words not only in public speaking but with everyday conversations. For me it's a hard habit to break mainly because I was never allowed a chance to speak and this comment accurately explains why I use them: "Though not an issue when you're giving a speech in front of an audience, when speaking in a group setting (think work meeting) there is often a level of "competition" for the chance to talk. A pause when speaking often gives someone else the opportunity to pounce and take over the role of speaker. A filler word signals others that you're not yet done talking."

This article really confirms everything we have been told repeatedly in our speech class. So don't avoid the speech class or beg and plead not to have to take it, as I did. Embrace the opportunity to speak in a group to gain confidence.