The Science of Speech

By Altum Spectent
Speech classes can be very frightening, for a myriad of reasons:


  • The professor may seem overconfident in your skills as a speaker
  • You may be introverted to a certain extent
  • You may not feel ready for public speaking
  • You may not feel that you have the right words
  • And many more...
However, you can overcome the situation! Often, simply having someone—such as your professor—believe in you can help you do so.

To avoid feeling as though you have the wrong words, it does help to choose a topic with which you feel comfortable and also to know something about it. Then, you can draft a speech at home and practice several times, and also make note cards with reminders about what to talk about and when. One big aid is having a manuscript speech written out, with which you are familiar, and extemporize on that. Then, even if you become stuck for words, you will still have your manuscript to fall back on for guidance.

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