Read the article (Click the link) and then watch the video regarding communication apprehension. Virtual reality has become a popular experimental treatment for a variety of anxiety disorders, including public speaking. Advocates say it is an efficient and safe form of exposure therapy, and a growing body of research backs them up. What are your thoughts? Do you think it could help you? (Remember, your blog response should be a minimum of 10-15 sentences). How to Give a Better Speech: Talk to a Dog.
8 Comments
Dylan Osborne
10/7/2016 11:40:57 am
In the aspect of public speaking, most people would say that it is hard for them to speak in front of people. But in my case I have a natural ability to speak in front of people which I am blessed with. But, back to the case at hand, I think it is a good idea to expose your fears with something that generally most people find comforting, this case being a dog. With that being people find comfort in speaking and generally do this often with their "crutch" the when speaking in public should be easier as time goes on. To the people who need this type of help, it doesn't necessarily have to be a dog, it could be anything that brings them comfort in any situation. My thoughts are that if it works do it. Yeah, it may be weird at first to experiment with whatever rings you comfort and the people around may find it weird, but in all honesty it could help break out of your comfort zone in all situations. In my case, I don't think it would help since I am a naturally born speaker and honestly in a certain way it may help but I don't think it would. But like I said in the beginning, for some people it would help a bunch with their anxiety problems and it would be great, just not in my case.
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Marcos Salazar
10/7/2016 12:15:18 pm
Some people do have a hard time speaking to a crowd. Depending the subject or topic that we have to discuss, I am one of those people. If I don't like the subject I get nervous speaking about it and do anything to avoid speaking about it. Maybe having the impression or virtual reality of being in a crowd will help people talk no matter what subject. The idea of VR is a great one. Even for the simple presentations like your name and something unique about you. Its a great way to help but we can't put it on while we are actually speaking. I am certain that it will help me. I am nervous of what people what say or act from what I do say. Maybe with that VR feeling, I am sure I will be able to over come it.
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Faith Lucas
10/7/2016 12:47:02 pm
Speaking in public is different for everybody. For some, it can bring a feeling of power or accomplishment, while it can leave others feeling anxious. For those that get nervous while giving speeches, having a way to help them cope with their anxiety can be extremely helpful. I know that for me, being around my dogs when I'm in a bad mood can make me feel a lot better, so I can completely understand that it could help with fear of speaking. Like the video said, it really can help having a non-judgmental presence around because you don't feel like you're being picked apart by the people you're giving a speech to. It can be very reassuring to have something that makes you feel comfortable, which is why I think that practicing speeches with dogs helps so many people. I think that it's a really good idea for people to have something that helps them be more comfortable, no matter what it is. I used to be terrified of giving speeches in front of a class, but as time passed, I've become a lot more confident. A big part of that is because I have two very good friends that helped me open up more and become the person I am today. They are the reason for my confidence when I'm giving speeches.
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Cade Rowland
10/7/2016 07:18:24 pm
For many it can be hard to speak in front of a group of people or crowd. Facing your fears is something that needs to be done by many of us. Bringing a dog in so you can speak and present a presentation to for practice is a very good idea. This gives you someone that will listen and won't judge or discriminate against your presentation. Practicing with dogs sounds kind of crazy at first but once you see the process ok action you can't unthink how logical it actually sounds and is. Mans best friend really is mans best therapist. Dogs will not criticize you in any way except wanting another dog treat. They can give you the confidence to speak in front or a larger group of actual people instead of dogs. I use to and still am always nervous to speak in front of people. Maybe I'll try giving presentations about dogs treats to one of my dogs.
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Giselle Gonzalez
10/9/2016 06:31:37 pm
Public speaking is something that comes easy to some but to others it's hard. Not being shy when speaking publicly is something that takes practice. Many public figures practice a lot in order to get better. In my case, public speaking isn't something that makes me super nervous. I'm quite comfortable speaking in front of others. However I do have some nervous tendencies that would contradict my comfortableness. The question though is if speaking to dogs will make me less nervous. I personally don't think it'll help because speaking to a dog isn't the same as speaking in front of humans. I believe that in order to get better we should practice in front of family members and friends.
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Jesse Meraz
10/9/2016 10:17:23 pm
I do not believe that speaking to my dog could provide me with any improvements upon my speeches. I firmly believe that the only way to make improvement is face to face real world experience with other people. While speaking to a dog you might be thinking in the back of your head that they are furry and soft, but once you present your speech in front of a person or a crowd, you'll start to notice all of your imperfections. A dog has no choice but to look you in the eye and seem as if they understand you. People on the other hand will make faces, notice inconsistencies and mistakes, or even laugh at parts of your speech if it does not agree with their point of view. I personally notice that I have a few nervous ticks that I can barely control, but I have gotten better over time. I've only done this through experience such as class presentations and speeches, not talking to animals. I've received feedback from people that has helped me with my speeches, which you can not get from animals other than a cute smile.
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Jemyri Hull
10/10/2016 01:47:26 pm
Lots of people get anxiety when giving speeches. Especially me. So putting people in a VR crowd to be able to practice is great. The people arn't real but our minds make it seem like they are. Practicing in front of dogs is good too. Because you can tell them anything. They dont understand most of what we say. Also practicing with dogs could help you learn how to keep the attention of your audience. Since people can become distracted. You have to do something different to keep the attention. Keep practicing these things and your speech anxiety will go away.
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Kaitlyn Huey
10/16/2016 02:57:00 pm
Many people have a fear of public speaking. It can be a little scary, defiantly if the crowd is full of people you dont know. Sometimes however, practicing in front of a mirror or family and friends can help over come such fears. It's not so scary when you know the people you ate presenting to. Also you can ask your teacher for help, but I like the idea of practicing with your dog. After all, I do have eight! When you practice infront of your pet you usually act quite comfortable because they are your go to for all your ranting, so why not use them for practicing a speech?
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