chamoisee wrote:
Communications 101 (speech) is mandatory for the degree I'm pursuing, in case you're wondering why an aspie would so torment themselves. I think it could actually be highly beneficial.
Except, the text keeps underscoring the following idea (paraphrased): "Make sure to look all parts of your audience directly in the eye during your speech". How on earth am I supposed to retain what I was about to say *and* maintain eye contact with not just one but a number of other people, and speak fluidly?
I'd rather not use my AS as an excuse, because the fact of the matter is that I need to be able to learn and use these skills for job and college interviews in the future.
I had a bear of a time when I took Comm 101 too. I started by just looking around the room, not looking at any one in particular. Sometimes I saw something interesting, like a hair accessory, or a freckle, or a zit, and my classmates thought I was looking them in the eye. My instructor was nice enough to allow note cards for the first few classes, but a lot of practice in front of the mirror actually helped more than notes. It helped me remember more of the speech than notes did. Best wishes!