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View Full Version : A divide between thought and speech



bladefd
12-14-2013, 02:44 AM
I have been thinking. I have a tough time articulating my thoughts into spoken words. I always had that issue. No matter what I do, I end up completely butchering what I was thinking when I try to translate thought into speech. I have no issue when it comes to putting my thoughts onto paper, but most of our human communication is done verbally.

I cannot afford to not communicate verbally. I'm a college student senior in information technology major and I will be graduating soon. Job interviews, presentations, etc will be coming up. People will see my resume (I spent weeks polishing it) and grades/GPA/other contributions I have made over the years through hard work (3.8 GPA in HS, 3.7 college), then they will see me in an interview. A complete divide between the two.

No matter what I do, I butcher class presentations. I start repeating things, screw up pronouncing simple words, getting nervous, skipping words and phrases that I told myself I would use when I practice the day before. I spend countless time thinking to myself and practicing saying things. When the presentations come, I butcher it all. I make a complete fool out of myself while looking extremely stupid in front of others. When another student or professor poses a question at the end, I go into meltdown mode. I start saying completely irrelevant things or repeating myself or simply saying crazy things - it seems like my brain and mouth go to war with each other with neither side coming victorious.

What can I realistically do? A friend of mine (he is awesome at presenting) told me to practice, focus, and just let speech come naturally. I tried to focus and let it come naturally. I tried a lot.

Neil deGrasse Tyson is somebody I look up to. That man is an inspiration to my life (along with Carl Sagan). He is able to put his thoughts into speech on the spot. I aspire to some day reach his level.

miller-time
12-14-2013, 02:56 AM
Two words - Beta Blockers

bladefd
12-14-2013, 03:13 AM
Two words - Beta Blockers

i already take it [inderal la] - prescribed it due to minor anxiety

reppy
12-14-2013, 03:42 AM
Find your local Toastmasters. Get lots and lots of speaking practice.

Swaggin916
12-14-2013, 03:49 AM
Find your local Toastmasters. Get lots and lots of speaking practice.

I agree. It really helps to be a part of a group dedicated to speaking in a supportive environment. Everybody really is supporting you anyway... Flip the script in your brain and say that nobody thinks you are a fool and that everybody just wants you to do well - reverse psychology that sort of thing.

You may want to try memorizing word for word exactly what you want to say too and maybe even rap or sing it out loud to help you remember the words. All the raps/songs I have ever memorized I can say without a hitch speaking normally. Maybe that only works for me but it might just be worth a shot.

Good luck man.

AI Thornton
12-14-2013, 06:54 AM
I have been thinking. I have a tough time articulating my thoughts into spoken words. I always had that issue. No matter what I do, I end up completely butchering what I was thinking when I try to translate thought into speech. I have no issue when it comes to putting my thoughts onto paper, but most of our human communication is done verbally.

I cannot afford to not communicate verbally. I'm a college student senior in information technology major and I will be graduating soon. Job interviews, presentations, etc will be coming up. People will see my resume (I spent weeks polishing it) and grades/GPA/other contributions I have made over the years through hard work (3.8 GPA in HS, 3.7 college), then they will see me in an interview. A complete divide between the two.

No matter what I do, I butcher class presentations. I start repeating things, screw up pronouncing simple words, getting nervous, skipping words and phrases that I told myself I would use when I practice the day before. I spend countless time thinking to myself and practicing saying things. When the presentations come, I butcher it all. I make a complete fool out of myself while looking extremely stupid in front of others. When another student or professor poses a question at the end, I go into meltdown mode. I start saying completely irrelevant things or repeating myself or simply saying crazy things - it seems like my brain and mouth go to war with each other with neither side coming victorious.

What can I realistically do? A friend of mine (he is awesome at presenting) told me to practice, focus, and just let speech come naturally. I tried to focus and let it come naturally. I tried a lot.

Neil deGrasse Tyson is somebody I look up to. That man is an inspiration to my life (along with Carl Sagan). He is able to put his thoughts into speech on the spot. I aspire to some day reach his level.

This may have made sense in your head, but I have no idea what you are going on and on about. :biggums:

MadeFromDust
12-14-2013, 01:03 PM
"Pretend everyone in the audience is naked"