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Introduction
Sarah is a first-year college student majoring in Business Administration. As part of her curriculum, she is required to take a public speaking course. Sarah has always been nervous about speaking in front of others, and the thought of delivering speeches in class makes her anxious.
Scenario
During the first week of her public speaking course, Sarah is assigned to deliver a brief introductory speech about herself to her classmates. Despite practicing at home and feeling prepared, she finds herself trembling and stumbling over her words when it's her turn to speak. Her mind goes blank, and she struggles to maintain eye contact with her audience.

Challenges

Sarah's primary challenge is overcoming stage fright. She experiences physical symptoms of anxiety, such as sweating palms and a racing heart, which make it difficult for her to deliver her speech confidently. She fears being judged by her peers and worries about making mistakes in front of them.

Actions Taken

Seeking Support Sarah confides in her instructor about her anxiety and seeks advice on managing stage fright. Her instructor recommends relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and visualization exercises, to calm her nerves before speaking. Practice and Preparation Sarah dedicates extra time to practice her speeches in front of a mirror and records herself to identify areas for improvement. She focuses on refining her speech structure and delivery to feel more confident on stage. Gradual Exposure With encouragement from her instructor, Sarah gradually exposes herself to speaking opportunities in class. She starts with small, low-pressure tasks like introducing herself to classmates and gradually works her way up to delivering longer speeches.

Outcomes
Through perseverance and support from her instructor, Sarah begins to see improvements in her public speaking skills. She learns to manage her anxiety more effectively and gains confidence with each speech she delivers. By the end of the module, Sarah successfully delivers a well-structured and confident speech, demonstrating her growth in overcoming stage fright.
Key Takeaways
Sarah's journey highlights the importance of facing fears and seeking support in mastering public speaking. By confronting her anxiety head-on and practicing consistently, she not only improves her communication skills but also builds resilience and confidence in her ability to speak effectively in various settings.