Fear of public Reading???

[Humblerumble]

Ok this is weird. First of all I have never liked public speaking actually I hate it. But today I was in a safety meeting at work with the 10 or so other guys that work in my department. During the meeting the guy doing the meeting passed out some handouts and asked us to start reading a paragraph out loud going around the room, Kinda like we did in the 3rd grade. This is normal as they have been doing this for years. Anyhoo the last months safety meeting when it came to me I had to read a whole page and by the time I had finished it I could barely breathe I thought what the crap was that about? Anyhow today it came around to me and I couldn't hardly speak luckily the intern beside me thought I was choked up because we were eating stuff and he finished reading for me. Now I used to feel bad for people when they couldn't read well or something and they had to read something out loud.etc. But I am a 43 year old educated guy and it wasn't like it was anything tough to read. I don't really have a shy bone in my body and can talk to a tree stump so why reading a paragraph about safety to guys I work with everyday shut down my brain was wacked. Anyone else had this happen?

[Phantopeth]

I always got a little nerved up when I had to read in class. Even in high school, which is just silly.

And yet I don't get the least bit nervous before or during gigs

[bkbirge]

Sounds like a mini anxiety attack. I've done a lot of public speaking, conference talks, group presentations, that sort of thing. Sometimes I just fall out of the zone, get more anxious than usual, etc. Sometimes it is noticeable to others, sometimes not. I wouldn't worry too much about it. Just try again. Just about everyone gets nervous doing these things, nothing to spend too much time agonizing over. It's an acquired skill for most of us, not an inherent talent, just needs practice.

[Humblerumble]

We have been having these silly meetings every month for years and we take turns heading up the meetings. I don't like doing it but it hasn't been a problem heading them up much less reading a paragraph. And like I said this was with about 10 or 11 guys that I work with I guess I am so naturally laid back that I very rarely get worked up over anything so when this hit me I was taken by surprise. I wanted to just start reading to everyone after that to prove I still could

[i_got_a_mohawk]

I hate reading out and doing public talking (usually, sometimes its ok, generally im only good infront of people when ive got 4 strings )

One thing that helped me with public reading is remember to take your time. Take a breath at each full stop etc etc (as long as it is written well).

[moomoocajoo]

I used to get really nervous and hate it but uni has cured me of it. We HAVE to do presentations in front of our fellow class mates and in front the whole year sometimes.

Once you've done it a few times you get used to it, and even enjoy it

[machine gewehr]

Since childhood,I used to hate reading loud in the class,after a few mins. my voice totally changes and I can barely speak.I have tunnel syndrome when I speak in public too.I'm not shy at all,or wasn't.

[jrthebassguy]

After seeing videos of 50 cent getting bottled there, I would be afraid of Reading too!


http://youtube.com/watch?v=SWvvF95ju9k



Oh wait, different reading!

[MooCowMan]

I have a lisp, studder, and i just hate talking to people because nothing ever comes out right because my mind wanders so much. I have to stick to talking to people online, I'm afraid it's gunna affect my future.. Speaking disorder's ftl!

[Humblerumble]

Yes that is what is so weird. These are just guys I work with and not like strangers I want to make some great impression on. And like I said I can talk to a tree stump so it isn't shyness. Very weird!

[tplyons]

Originally Posted by jrthebassguy

After seeing videos of 50 cent getting bottled there, I would be afraid of Reading too!


http://youtube.com/watch?v=SWvvF95ju9k



Oh wait, different reading!

I love public speaking, it's almost a rush for me. But public reading always trips me up.

[PSPookie]

I think you nailed it in your original post when you said that you feel sorry for people who have trouble reading. You're just afraid you will sound like a dumbass.

I experience the same thing from time to time when reading in public (though not when speaking). I loose track and the page starts to swim a bit. I find that if I just slow down and focus on the next few words it turns out ok.

[cheesemonkey]

same thing happens to me... i'm not really a super fast reader but i can read at an alright speed... i can talk easily and i'm not really that shy or anything. I can stand up and answer and explain things in class without a stutteri or a pause but whenever they ask me to read something from a page i start talking really quietly and pause every couple of words... weird

[MAJOR METAL]

After lecturing in cathedral style basilicas I have no issue with it.

[Unrepresented]

It sounds like you're developing a complex over it. If you anticipate it being a traumatic experience, your body will release chemicles that most likely will contribute to your inability to perform effectively because of the anxiety.

My suggestion, as always: get lushed up before any and all public encounters.

[Humblerumble]

I think I will perform some psychological experiments on myself before my next public reading. Like I may try to read in a British accent or something Any suggestions?

[Unrepresented]

Originally Posted by Humblerumble

I think I will perform some psychological experiments on myself before my next public reading.

I was only advocating a few drinks but I'm certain that a tab or two will provide for a much more entertaining public reading.

Please youtube the results.