Fluctuating speaking ability?

Question

For some reason, my ability to articulate is highly unpredictable.

For example, I would say that on a given day, I can be VERY fluent, eloquent and dynamic, and on fire with confidence, and on other days, I just can't seem to get my act together. On these occasions, I can't seem to speak without making mistakes, have a general lack of fluency, and the speaking can be VERY laborious and requires considerable effort. The fluctuations are very cyclic in nature and can change from day to day.

The whole thing really mystifes me, since there seems to be no rational explanation that I can find as to why this is happening. It also happens to be an unnecessary complexity in my life, since as part of my career, I deal with highly qualified people and even give pitches to 150+ people at a time, doing so with just me, a sheet of paper and the microphone. I need to be on top form at ALL times.

If there is anybody out there can relate to my experience, I would greatly appreciate your imput.

Answer 1

I think there is a small part of your brain thinking or worrying about something else which is putting you off. It may have something to do with your conscience, or just your memory- perhaps you are simultaneously asking yourself if you did such-and-such, or does that person remind you of xxxx?

The key is to concentrate on your goal & not be distracted.

Being relaxed i.e. not feeling fearful, is necessary too.

Caring too much about other people think of you adds to bad nerves.

You need to clear your head of all the dross, & only focus on faces without trying to think what they are thinking about you.

De-personalise your speech so that you are more like a 2-way talking book, reciting verse but being open to questions.

Compartmentalise your brain- say this stuff belongs in 'personal household,' this stuff belongs in my 'speech today' folder, then refuse to think about anything personal whilst publically speaking.
That's the theory.

There are still some words I can't say without stuttering but that is because I have unsolved problems linked to those words.

Another tip: Speak slowly. Don't be fooled into thinking you have always got to quickly come up with what everyone wants to hear. Sometimes, your brain will respond quickly & suprise you. Other times, when honestly looking for the right answer, your brain goes into overdrive & you may not find the correct answer for quite a long time.

Don't judge yourself too harshly. Your brain is a highly sophisicated piece of equipment- trust it!
STOP DOUBTING yourself! Say to yourself you are as good as anyone else! If you are speaking as a leader, you need to be utterly convinced you have superior qualities worth listening to.
If you doubt that, you will not be able to fool yourself into giving a perfect performance.
They say "acting ability is required." Perhaps, in that instance, you could try joining a drama club, or practice rehearsing lines in your bedroom, & in front of friends.

Maybe a speech therapist could help?

Answer 2

Yes Rock I can relate to your experience although I don't have to talk to such a large number of people. Unfortunately I have no answers, in fact I always put it down to fluctuating oestrogen levels lol. Errrrrm I suppose you might have to get your thyroid looked at. Or perhaps your blood checked for diabetes.

Perhaps you could make a doctors appointment and get a once over or a rub down with a wet rag.

Oh and you could try Ginko Biloba

Answer 3

maybe you should have some EEG work done by a good neurologists.....you may have a tumor or some kind of blockage, blood vessel cluster or other serious condition.
if it's not just fatigue or stress you better get to a medical professional ASAP!!! then if they don't see anything major you can work your way back through with their help.
(Blueberries help your brain function....pick up a package and eat at least 8oz. per day....frozen or fresh)
Good Luck:)

Answer 4

I used to stammer when young ,and my father used to get annoyed at me..I was given a book of tongue twisters and I learnt most of them by heart..I found out later that it's all a matter of relaxation..i;e if you are nervous you can stammer/stutter. also if you get over excited.etc.now in my old age I find myself reverting to forgetting certain words just as I am about to say them..so I take a deep breath to relax and it sorts itself out.
Just say :- Six swiss wrist watches....In reading your question .I would put yours down to stage nerves..so again take a deep breath and relax..good luck

Answer 5

i know i HATE that. some days i'm just off. i don't know how to fix it, sometimes i think i start the day a little out of it, and then when i become more aware of my difficulty speaking, i try too hard and make it worse, i wish i knew how to stop it.

Answer 6

You are Human