I just went to my college orientation, and the counselors made up this rule that whenever they shout "Go!" everyone has to run, and whoever gets into a room last has to do a dare. Once I was last, and they said I had to sing I'm a little teapot lol in front of everyone. When I got up, there was like 40 strangers there and for some reason, my jaw just started shaking SO bad I couldn't talk. It was REALLY weird, it was like my face was shaking so badly I couldn't even smile. The counselors finally sang for me and said I didn't have to do it. I'm mortified when I think of it, I bet everyone thinks I'm a freak. Is there any way I can deal with this? I mean sometimes my hands shake when I'm nervous, but not like my face...it happens when I feel everyone's eyes on me (it happened like 3 times during orientation).
2007-08-24 09:40:42 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I am an International Business Professor for a State University and I still "panic". It is like being at the top of a ski slope and seeing the tiny ski lodge at the bottom of a massive cliff and thinking "how am I going to get down".
I have heard that the only way to get better at speaking in public is starting small. Take opportunities to speak your mind in a small group situation and graduate to larger groups if you have the opportunity.
Trust me it will take practice.
*read about Dave Matthews (I have heard that he goes through the "panic" of stage fright every time he performs)
2007-08-24 10:01:09 · answer #1 · answered by exfootballgraduate 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This sounds like something that could happen to me. The best way I've found to get past an embarrassing situation is to have a sense of humor about it. Because it was orientation, the people in the room weren't necessarily the ones you'll see in all of your classes. If it's ever brought up (which I doubt), if you laugh about it, it will ease a lot of your tension. For instance, saying "That's what happens when I miss my morning coffee!" or something silly like that will show others that you can have a sense of humor about yourself. And think of this: VERY few people are comfortable speaking in front of others. The majority of people are terrified to do so, but some people are better at hiding that than others, so don't feel alone. After some time has passed and the initial sense of horror wears off, it will end up becoming just another funny story to tell. Trust me, I have tons of them...NOW. They just didn't seem funny at the time.
2007-08-24 11:03:27 · answer #2 · answered by JackiePaper 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone does NOT think you're a freak. They are just thankful it wasn't THEM that had to sing that song. LOTS of folks get nervous in front of people. Try taking a PUBLIC SPEAKING course for the fun of it.
Don't let it bother you. Being in college you have more things to worry about than orientation day foolishness. It's all in fun anyway.
2007-08-26 13:36:12 · answer #3 · answered by AmericanPatriot 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
aww. that's so embarrasing. im sorry. stuff like that happens to me sometimes too. u just have to learn to get over ur nervousness and not have stage fright. It's really really hard. I'm not even completely over it. But once people see that ur confident, they'll respect u more. They won't have anything to make fun of. Just be proud of who u are and dont get scared when u talk in front of people. Just pretend that ur talking to ur family or friends and that it's a normal conversation and dont be scared of putting urself out there and doing something crazy once in a while. Just make sure to stick with the right crowd and be urself. I really do sympathize with u. I hope this helped a little!
2007-08-24 10:48:26 · answer #4 · answered by mina14queen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Blow it off and act like it never happend. Thats what I would do. If anyone says anything pretend it was no big deal. I learned something in my first speech class in college it was "People don't notice things like you think they do" I did a speech with no shoes on and no one even noticed!! nobody cares they have there own problems. Its cool!!
2007-08-24 09:59:06 · answer #5 · answered by Angel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's okay, don't worry. Who knows what others would have done in your situation? We all feel nervous and foolish at times. Try to let it go and move on.
2007-08-24 09:51:18 · answer #6 · answered by nowyouknow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone in that orientation was just as nervous as you. They wont even remember it.
2007-08-24 10:10:27 · answer #7 · answered by Graymin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's horrible to ask you do do such a thing if they don't know how well you do infront of strangers.
I wouldn't be able to do it either.
2007-08-24 09:51:29 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I lock up when I am very nervous your OK
2007-08-24 09:48:11 · answer #9 · answered by tnbadbunny 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋