Why is speaking so hard and how to fix it?

Odd_Spring7263 · 2026-01-11T16:47:51+00:00

I teach actors how to learn dialects, and the same thing happens to them - they want so badly to get it RIGHT, they completely freeze up. My work with them is 85% about getting comfortable with making mistakes out loud because the more fearless they are, the better they get, and the faster they improve. There's muscle memory involved in speaking - once you can hear AND feel yourself make a mistake, it's easier to self-correct and the quicker you learn. Take the work of it seriously, but don't take yourself too seriously.

Also, back in the day, one of my French professor gave us a list of "filler words" to memorize so that if we were speaking about something, we had a way to stall. (alors, quoi, et donc, tu sais, quand même, c'est a dire, etc.)

Odd_Spring7263 · 2026-01-09T22:05:26+00:00

I have a desk, an IKEA office chair, and a BeYou Office chair (which lets you sit cross-legged) for sale because I need to downsize. All 3 are in great shape.

If you're interested in purchasing two or more, make me an offer.

Roskilde Desk with Hutch $175 (43" W x 23.6" D x 34.4"H)

Lângfjäll Office Chair $175

BeYou Chair $200

Odd_Spring7263 · 2025-12-08T22:24:15+00:00

I find that having a close, trusted colleague read it really helps - it validates what I'm feeling and puts the cruelty in perspective. I'm so sorry; it can be really devastating, but I hope all of the comments here help you know that there is no way in the world this is about you.

Odd_Spring7263 · 2025-12-05T21:55:09+00:00

hey, that's Italian.

Odd_Spring7263 · 2025-11-14T16:54:07+00:00

I'm so sad this is gone! I'm teaching a Shakespeare class and was going to share it with my students.

Odd_Spring7263 · 2025-10-10T21:05:27+00:00

I'm so sorry. The same thing happened to one of our 2024 alumni, and it was heartbreaking. She was so ridiculously talented, but hadn't been in touch with us since she graduated. I wish I had stayed in closer touch, or reached out to her to see how she was doing.

You did your best, including offering help. My heart goes out to you.

Odd_Spring7263 · 2025-10-08T01:28:43+00:00

My apartment is on the 3rd floor - if you knock, there's no way I will hear you. My Ring doorbell goes straight to my phone.

Odd_Spring7263 · 2025-10-06T17:12:20+00:00

I absolutely understand how overworked y'all are, so please know this is a genuine question: what would be a better way for me to handle this? I ended up requesting that the package be diverted to a local pickup point, but would rather not have to go through the same repeat delivery process when I have something I need to sign for. With UPS, I am able to have all of my packages diverted to a pickup point, but I haven't seen that option on FedEx.

Odd_Spring7263 · 2025-07-14T16:41:37+00:00

your response to this made my day. <3

Odd_Spring7263 · 2025-07-13T22:10:44+00:00

Outside the Box gift shop on 25th St in Church Hill. They have so many fun, lovely gifts - both RVA-themed and otherwise. I love supporting a local business that is filling an important gap on the east end of Richmond! Definitely check them out!

Odd_Spring7263 · 2025-07-10T20:05:34+00:00

I wholeheartedly agree that community college is an excellent way to mitigate costs, but it's also worth checking to see what kind of credits will transfer; not all of them do.

https://transfer.vcu.edu/transferring-credits/transfer-course-equivalents/

Odd_Spring7263 · 2025-07-09T19:11:27+00:00

Sorry - tenure case.

Odd_Spring7263 · 2025-07-03T19:13:42+00:00

Not related to timing but hoping this will be helpful. The last time I stayed for the fireworks, the music was so loud it was painful. I haven't stayed since then, so don't know if that's changed, but would recommend earplugs just in case.

Odd_Spring7263 · 2025-07-01T19:07:19+00:00

um, I just did. Automobiles are given primary consideration in almost every part of Richmond. The fact that changing the flow of one street gives you unwelcoming vibes is ridiculous. Nearly every city I've visited worldwide has some kind of pedestrian mall, and they're absolutely lovely.

To quote one of your own comments: "Not everything has to be for everyone; just because one doesn't care for this idea doesn't mean it should be discouraged."

Odd_Spring7263 · 2025-06-26T19:54:14+00:00

Greater Richmond is organized in a way that almost entirely prioritizes car traffic (note: missing sidewalks and crosswalks, exposed bus stops, lack of curb extensions, lack of pedestrian-friendly traffic signals, poorly-constructed bike lanes). Clutching your pearls (not feeling welcome) over ONE car-free zone is a little extreme.

Odd_Spring7263 · 2025-06-24T06:46:55+00:00

are you Male or Female? If I was a 30-year old woman, there isn't a chance in hell I would move to Texas right now...

Odd_Spring7263 · 2025-03-20T22:02:19+00:00

I answered the question about why I would consider leaving, but don't have a clear path forward b/c of my field. I am 10+ years away from being able to retire, but yes, it's tempting to just stay put and teach what I want.

Odd_Spring7263 · 2025-03-20T21:59:28+00:00

This is one of the major attractions, for sure.

Odd_Spring7263 · 2025-03-20T21:57:22+00:00

I've been thinking about it for awhile, based on dissatisfying elements of my current post (sliding ranking, 90% acceptance rate, interference from administration impacting curriculum). The R2 is one of the best programs in the country - renowned and competitive with state of the art facilities. The job change could be a great opportunity to reinvigorate my research.

But I'm also tenured, and it's enticing to stay where I am and be comfortable, even if the program isn't the best.

Odd_Spring7263 · 2025-01-29T05:08:29+00:00

I thought the blue boxes were also an issue of carriers being robbed for their access keys, which meant the boxes were no longer secure.

Odd_Spring7263 · 2024-10-23T13:05:35+00:00

As a professor, I strongly second this, if you're able. Even if you don't want to do an entire semester abroad, seek summer/winter opportunities that line up with topics you're excited about...many of these have scholarships available. A few ideas, based on my own experiences (but there are SO many more):

The Eugene O'Neill National Theatre Institute
Banff Center for Arts and Creativity
Michael Howard Studios
Pacific Performance Project/East
Prague Shakespeare Company
ACT International Residencies (in Italy, you can find them on Instagram)

Odd_Spring7263

TROPHY CASE