DECLAMATION JITTERS
Embedded Files
Declamation at BLS can be a great way to build your skills in clearly and confidently presenting to groups!
It is also very natural to feel nervous about Declamation. Most students feel at least a few jitters, some feel more, and some feel lots of jitters. How nervous you feel could be related to your past experiences with presentations, how often you have practiced, whether you experience anxiety in other situations, or many other factors.
Declamation Jitters are a type of anxiety, so the videos and strategies on the "I feel anxious" page could all be helpful for Declamation Jitters. Make sure you visit that page!
What are some common worries students have about Declamation?
Like the videos on the "I feel anxious" page share, our minds often trick us with excessive worries that aren't quite true, although our mind takes them to be true. We call these "Declamation Distortions."
Declamation Distortions often trigger our fight-flight-freeze response to become activated, which can lead to physical sensations before, during, or after presentations that make it difficult to stay focused. You might feel hot or cold, tense or rigid, short of breath. You might also find that your mind is running through many thoughts at once, making it difficult to remember your Declamation piece or to remember to use the gestures and facial expressions you had planned to bring your Declamation to life. You might also find that your mind goes blank, which certainly makes any presentation tricky!
The types of Declamation Distortions you have, although they may be different than the person sitting next to you in class, are likely thoughts that many other students have had before, during, and/or after Declamation. Below are just some of the Declamation Distortions students often find themselves experiencing.
Declamation Distortions.docxWhat do I do about these
Declamation Distortions?
Identify the thought as a Declamation Distortion
Identify the thought as a Declamation Distortion
Remind yourself that these thoughts are normal and you can get through them. You might say to yourself, "Oh, this is just All or Nothing Allen popping up again."
Notice the thought without trying to avoid it
Notice the thought without trying to avoid it
Sometimes, we try to push a worry away, which actually can lead us to think that worry even more! If I tell you to not think about a white elephant, what pops into your mind? If you're like many people, the white elephant pops into your mind right away. It can be the same with Declamation Distortions.
Instead, notice the thought and then notice it floating by. Maybe place the thought in a balloon in your mind and watch the balloon float into the air, or watch it float by on a cloud or a leaf floating down a stream, or a cart on a train. Whatever image is easiest and most helpful for you. Try to avoid fighting the thought or forcing it to float away. Instead, just let it be and let it float at its own pace.
If the thought floats back, that's ok. That sometimes happens. You can watch it float by again.
Use helpful self-talk
Use helpful self-talk
See the "I feel anxious" page for some ideas about "Thought restructuring." Using these strategies, find a helpful thought or thoughts to use to settle your jitters while you prepare for Declamation.
Write your helpful thoughts down on a card to keep in your pocket, backpack, or notebook. You can take out the card to remind you of your helpful self-talk just before and leading up to Declamation.
How do I prepare for Declamation?
Goal Breakdown Worksheet.pdfBreak down your preparation into steps
Break down your preparation into steps
There are many steps in getting ready for Declamation. Here are just a few that some students have mentioned:
Review possible Declamation pieces
Identify your final Declamation piece
Memorize
This can be broken down into smaller steps
Think about what gestures and facial expressions you want to be the focus of your Declamation at what points
Practice
Start by practicing by yourself in a comfortable place like your room, then practice in gradually more challenging places. For example, maybe ask a sibling, parent, or peer if you can practice in front of them.
Practice, practice, practice!
Research shows the more that you do something, the more your anxiety and worries decrease. By practicing, you teach your body that you can do it, and your body's fight-flight-freeze response no longer feels the need to be at 100%.
Page updated
Report abuse