I have a little social anxiety..should I not take public speaking?

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Well not really. But I basically have a free ticket out of public speaking from my doctor. Should i take advantage of this and take a different class? It'll basically be a medical excuse to not take public speaking. Will this somehow hurt my chances getting into medical school?

Kind of amusing, but I, too, have mild social anxiety. At least sometimes. For that reason I am taking public speaking. Psychological desensitization is a thing.

To answer your question, unless the class is required or at least recommended for your degree oe medical school(s) of choice, then probably not. Unfortunately, it could damage you as a resident or practicing physician.

But that's a topic for another thread.

I'm not sure on your specific class but it was an easy A at my school, and more importantly, the people with public speaking issues improved immensely. I'd recommend it.

Originally Posted by Kevin Baker

I'm not sure on your specific class but it was an easy A at my school, and more importantly, the people with public speaking issues improved immensely. I'd recommend it.

Ya, i would take it for an easy A..but one problem is that apparently the teacher who is teaching it..has a damn 2 on ratemyproff.com lol. I've always trusted that site ever since I got my C :/

I would take it, unless you think you'll bomb it and hurt your GPA. I have social anxiety too, and the more you get out of your comfort zone now, the easier interviews will be for you.

Originally Posted by AestheticGod

Ya, i would take it for an easy A..but one problem is that apparently the teacher who is teaching it..has a damn 2 on ratemyproff.com lol. I've always trusted that site ever since I got my C :/

Could you take it with someone else, possibly a different semester?

Originally Posted by Charles Darwin

Could you take it with someone else, possibly a different semester?

Yes, that is possible. I might just have to do that. I'm currently going to a CC, and wasn't sure if I needed an A.A or 60 credits to transfer to a University(Florida). I was looking over the requirements for the A.A and speech was part of it :/

My current goal ATM is to transfer to an university ASAP

Originally Posted by Charles Darwin

Could you take it with someone else, possibly a different semester?

That's a question only your advisor can answer.

If public speaking is something difficult for you then this is even more reason to take the class. Speaking is a valuable skill to have. Don't kill yourself with the bad professor though.

To be honest, college speaking classes run on a curriculum, and often you only give 2-3 speeches. If it's not required or anything, then just FYI this isn't even close to your last chance at improving speaking skills (there are plenty of workshops, conferences, toastmaster, etc. things like that can drastically improve speaking skills). But if the anxiety is a major problem currently, I'd imagine the class may help.

I loathe public speaking with a passion. All those people just sitting there quietly judging your every word. Omg, it makes me just shake when I think about it.

I felt the course helped me improve my speaking a bit. I agree with the above poster that the stares can be frightening, but if you work smart you can add humor, interest, anticipation, etc., into your speeches which will help you connect in a meaningful way with your audience.

Public speaking is important, so if you don't want to take a class you should find another venue to practice (e.g. toastmasters, club leadership, etc.). And, don't forget the number one rule: If you're really nervous, just imagine that your audience is naked.....

Originally Posted by Neurosis

I loathe public speaking with a passion. All those people just sitting there quietly judging your every word. Omg, it makes me just shake when I think about it.

Usually from my experience, in a very large crowd, only about 10% of the audience is listening to you at any time, the rest is . Maybe I'm just boring to listen to.

I also love unexpectedly pausing during the middle of a piece, or making an awkward joke just to see the crowd snap to attention, I find it hilarious.

***Disclaimer*** i don't recommend doing that for anything serious like a thesis defense or something...

Originally Posted by JESSFALLING

And, don't forget the number one rule: If you're really nervous, just imagine that your audience is naked.....

Caution: do NOT wear tight fitting pants when using this method!

Originally Posted by AestheticGod

Well not really. But I basically have a free ticket out of public speaking from my doctor. Should i take advantage of this and take a different class? It'll basically be a medical excuse to not take public speaking. Will this somehow hurt my chances getting into medical school?

Just wondering, do you get all sweaty and nervous when you answer/ask a question in a large lecture?

A neat trick to cure nervousness when you're publicly speaking is to curl your toes. Do it to the point where you can feel it but not to the point of pain. Your focus shifts from the butterflies in your stomach to your toes and it's much easier to speak.

I had social anxiety. I took speech over the summer with about 30 people and completely overcame it. You come to realize they are just as nervous as you. Everyone has a fear of speaking, but once you learn how to use public speaking it can be very helpful. I was skeptical at first, but try it in a smaller class like I did. After all some day you will have to encounter several different people, such as patients, that you'll have to be comfortable speaking with. Get this anxiety swept under the rug before medical school. Good luck OP, you can do it!

Sounds to me like your social anxiety gives you all the more reason to take public speaking. Even many people without social anxiety disorders are terrified of public speaking, and public speaking classes are designed for that. Since you may have to give talks and speeches in your future medical career, it would be great to have the tools necessary to speak in public without triggering your anxiety.

OP, the obvious answer is do not.


Talk to your physician about propranolol, did wonders for a buddy of mine.

Originally Posted by Holy FranZ

OP, the obvious answer is do not.


Talk to your physician about propranolol, did wonders for a buddy of mine.

Or take the class and relish in the effects of sensitization.