Contact Program Contact Jaime Hamilton IU Kokomo Speech Team (765) 455-9558 Media Contact Anne-Marie Damler OCM (765) 455-9468 adamler@iuk.edu Mary Ellen Stephenson OCM (765) 455-9414 mestephe@iuk.edu

Overcoming fears of public speaking

By Ben Leichty

KOKOMO, Ind.—For countless people, public speaking is their worst fear. The sweaty palms, dry mouth, and overwhelming dread of looking stupid in front of an audience are all reasons why public speaking terrifies individuals. But, for others, giving speeches is a way of life, a team effort providing benefits and a sense of comradery.

Chad Andrews, an English major from Sharpsville, and Kyle Etherington, a history/political science major from Kokomo, know the anxiety of talking in front of an audience. As members of the Indiana University Kokomo Speech Team since 2004, they have learned to overcome any issues in public speaking. For them, competence came from constantly performing speeches at intercollegiate competitions.

Being on a speech and debate team is more than just conquering nerves, they said. It’s about competing and giving effective, persuasive presentations.

“Before joining the speech team, I was most afraid of appearing ignorant,” Andrews said. “There’s nothing I feared more than looking stupid in an argument or talking about things I knew nothing about.”

“I joined the speech team for three reasons,” Etherington said. “First, I had always wanted to join the speech and debate team in high school, but never had the opportunity because I was busy playing sports. Second, I wanted to become a better public speaker. I wanted to improve my speaking skills and become more comfortable in front of an audience. Last, I wanted to have fun while I worked hard.”

According to IU Kokomo Speech Team director Jaime Hamilton, being on the speech team has many long-term benefits, including professional development for all careers and the recognition that the activity receives on resumes or graduate school applications. For Etherington and Andrews, the best benefit is the friendships they have made while being a part of the team. Andrews and Etherington have seen the speech team grow from five members to this season’s group of 13.

“For me, the friendships with teammates such as Kyle and the mentorship of my director, Jaime, have contributed to my college experience and my life in general,” Andrews said.

Before attending a tournament, the team members meet with Hamilton for tips on how to present their pieces. Members also rely on each other for feedback and constructive criticism. Veteran members are good resources for newer members because the veterans have experienced various types of tournaments and have given several different kinds of speeches to many different audiences.

Both the feedback sessions and the tournaments have taught Andrews the skill of thinking and speaking “on the fly.” Etherington has learned how important the message of a speech is. He feels he has become more effective at conveying that message to his audience.

The Speech Team meets every Friday at 1 p.m. in the Main Building, Room 238A. For more information about the IU Kokomo Speech Team, contact Jaime Hamilton at (765) 455-9558.

(Ben Leichty is the public relation liaison for the IU Kokomo Speech Team.)

Kyle Etherington

Chad Andrews