HI Dr. Pinhas:
It's A from human sexuality class
<span class="swb">In my public speaking class today I had to do a speech in front of the class and normally I am not nervous because I have a background in performing speeches for judges in my business club in High School but I was nervous and didn't do such a good job with the speech that I could of, but I noticed I had what I thought were hot flashes where my body temperature increased dramatically during the speech. I am a male and 19 and I thought this only occurs with women going through menopause. Thanks for the help</span>
<span class="swb"><br /> Response from Dr. Pinhas</span>
<span class="swb"><br /> A, you were highly anxious about this speech but apparently you didn't experience your anxiety the typical way that you understand -jittery feelings, pumped up, heart pitter/patter.... etc. You never anticipated that you'd be anxious because you are used to public performances. But indeed you were freaked out without a conscious awareness of how anxious you really were. Your pituitary-adrenal glands and sympathetic nervous system put you into a "fight-flight" and your galvanic skin temperature went through the roof.... these are typical anxiety reactions but ones that you aren't used to. No, my dear you are not in a menopausal state but welcome to the world of hot flashes. This time yours is due to massive anxiety. Possible Solutions: Be thoroughly prepared with your work; practice your speech in front of the mirror many times; take a few deep breathes; look at your audience for a few seconds before you start talking and know that the starting point of verbalization is the toughest entry point. As you continue to talk, you'll get hold of yourself.<br /> </span>
Comments (3)
Extra Information: I think I had these hot flashes because I am used to performing speeches to adults and this was the first time ever where I actually performed a speech in front of people my age. In the business club Deca, we have 10 mins to prepare a speech and then we role-play with 3 judges who grade you on everything from proper attire to the strength of your handshake. Normal teens would be nervous at this task but I ended up taking home a medal for Top 10 in the whole Nassau County in my category of Marketing Management. That is why I was surprised at these hot flashes that distracted me during my speech and caused me to freeze for a couple of seconds during the speech in my public speaking class. Thanks for the help and answering my question Prof Pinhas. :)
Your comfort with adults is evident. Peers can always be a source of anxiety when you perform any task in a new venue. Thanks for the extra information- one can see that you feel (as evidenced by your "hot flash") that there was a lot more at stake- the acceptance and approval of yourself in the eyes of your peers.
Thanks for your input Prof
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