Success Skills Interact with Others
Three classmates were talking together after school one afternoon. One of
them, Gloria, said to the other two: “Listen, can I talk with you about my prob-
lem? I will confess to you that I don't want to give a talk in class next week. I'll
just pretend that I am sick and not come to school for a few days. Sitting here
and talking with you is fine. But I can't get up in front of the class. I have fig-
ured out a way to get out of doing this all through high school. I'll be honest
with you. I remember having to stand before the class in the seventh grade to
recite part of a poem. I was so scared that after the first two lines I couldn't
remember a word. I was so embarrassed! Aren't these assignments ridiculous?
I'm not going to have to stand up before anyone and talk when I am out of
school and earning a living. Do you agree with my scheme for next week?”
1. What would you say to Gloria? What decision do you think would be best
for her?
2. What tips can you give Gloria to help her overcome her fear of public
speaking?