Presentations put too much stress on students (Editorial)
For some, the idea of having to speak in class causes them to shut down entirely.
While there are some undeniable advantages to getting practice speaking in front of people while still in school, it might be too stressful for some students and prevents them from excelling.
All day before the presentation, they worry. Every possible “what if” goes through their mind while they contemplate all that could go wrong. The stress affects not only their presentation, but their entire day.
USAToday College, a collection of advice articles for high school and college students, indicates that “A 2013 survey by the National Association of College and Employers found that the ability to communicate effectively is the quality employers most want to see in new recruits.”
The ability to convey thoughts and ideas varies from person to person. Some people may be able to have intelligent conversations with small groups, but panic when placed in front of a large group.
Regardless, forcing students into public speaking makes them associate all public speaking to the feeling of panic that comes when told, “You will have to present this to the class.”
Teachers may argue that practice makes perfect, by this may not be the case with students should learn public speaking.
In her article, “The Powerful Impact of Stress,” Victoria Tennant, of the John Hopkins School of Education, said, “Most of us can recall a time when the anxiety felt before a test, presentation or other performance caused the mind to ‘go blank’ and all our studying or rehearsing went out the window. When the anxiety passes, information and skills come flooding back.”
This shows that students know their topic, but can’t get through the speech or presentation to prove it.
Students shouldn’t be graded on their ability to ignore their anxiety long enough for a speech they know they can’t get through.
Tennant believes that “when the anxiety gets out of control and crosses to the other side of the curve, performance plummets.”
Students with anxiety or a fear of public should be given the option to present to a smaller group than an entire class. They’d still be doing the same amount of work with less stress. They could get through the day with less school which would make school a safer place for all students.
Disclaimer: Articles designated as “Editorial” represent the views and opinions of the author, not the 2016-2017 Periscope staff, CHS Administration, or the CHS student body.
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Kenny Brenizer is a junior and the perspectives editor for the 2016-2017 Periscope staff. She does no sports. She has no hobbies. She just wants cats and...
Jessica Burley • Jan 17, 2017 at 9:55 am
I hate speaking in front of people. It’s hard for me to stand in front of a class and talk about something. I hate it so much but I think that it’s a good lesson to learn because one day I might have to stand in front of thousands and speak to them.