Debate

This weeks Contemporary Design class taught me that I am allergic to public speaking.

The task this week was to prepare a debate on a given topic, two on two. We were given the topic title weeks ago, The Use of Technology Limits Creativity in the Design Process, and myself and Deirbhle had prepared very well, we had researched examples to talk about, quotes to use and prepared points for a counter argument. I had decided to take a more relatable approach and talk about how we use technology in out own design process, how our first step is to head straight to google and the likes for inspiration instead of being entirely creative by ourselves. I walked into that room feeling a little nervous but confident in what I was going to say and exactly how I was going to say it. And then it was our turn. . .

But . . .

Reality kicked in and kicked all my confidence out. As soon as I reached the podium thingy and looked up to see my class mates my stomach flipped. My rationale told me that these were my class mates, I had no reason to feel nervous and that they were going to be up here too. However I couldn't control myself, I was shaking at an unnatural rate (I was told that no one could tell but there might as well have been an earthquake at the rate I was moving), my mouth went dry instantly and I could feel my lips stick to my teeth, and I sounded like I was about to cry. I'm not even sure what I said in those 90 seconds, it was absolute agony. I would sooner shave my head than go through that again.

I do understand that the whole point of the exercise was to practice public speaking and be able to argue our opinion and we are told that presentations and public speaking is extremely important in our career path, but I certainly hope they're wrong. If that's what it takes to be a Product Designer then I should just give up now. Drop out.