I just read this interesting NYT article about linguistic mishaps. I wish that all I had to combat were too many 'ers' and 'ums'; instead, I have a tremendous fear of public speaking...even when I'm passionate about a subject or when I'm well-prepared, my mind freezes and I can barely mumble the key points. Last semester, I almost cried after blundering through my part of a presentation for my Entrepreneurship class about the need for an economic cost-benefit analysis model for Trade Secrets. Fortunately, my partner took over brilliantly, but I was so embarrassed and disappointed with myself. I definitely need to overcome this fear to become an effective speaker. If anyone has tips, let me know!
How speaking — and misspeaking — provides a window into our mental activity.