Speech-variation activities: Embracing momentary discomfort to gain confidence, attenuate anxiety, and paradoxically increase comfort during public speaking

Public speaking creates discomfort for many students. Instead of seeking to avoid this inevitable discomfort, six speech-variation activities explained in this paper are intentionally designed for, a little bit at a time, embracing momentary discomfort in public speaking. By embracing the inevitable discomfort of public speaking head-on in a fun and supportive environment, these speech-variation activities should help students gain confidence, attenuate anxiety, and paradoxically increase comfort during public speaking. Why these activities should be conducted, how they can be conducted with success, and whether students find the activities helpful or not are also discussed. Courses: Designed specifically for use in public-speaking courses, these speech-variation activities can also be used in any class that incorporates student presentations. Objectives: The ultimate goal of these activities is to have students, especially those who find public speaking a debilitating experience, increase confidence and reduce anxiety toward public speaking.