The other day, my class was having a forum (or rather a debate) on things that we think should be made available in the school. The class was divided into two with 15 members in each group. Each group sent one representative to present their suggestions. The other group was given the privilege to oppose if they feel the need to do so. It went on for quite a while (the whole thing took an hour and 10 minutes). I discovered something eye-opening during our session.
The other group was presenting on of their suggestions on how we should have dryers in the school. Immediately, I wanted to counter with the idea of pollution. Even before she finished presenting her idea, I was ecstatic to oppose her opinion. As she neared the end of her speech, I was ready to raise my hand. Until I realized that I was shaking BADLY. Like, real badly. It felt as if my heart was gonna jump out of my chest and run to the edge of the world and never come back. Even as I expressed my opposition, my eyes legitimately twitched (that happens when I'm nervous). That night, I told everything to one of my friends who also struggles with anxiety (if you're reading this, bless you). She told me how it was argumentative fright and I was appalled. I never knew this thing existed.
After what happened in class, I've developed a few ways to control argumentative fright:
1. Do breathing exercises
-yes, these do help a lot whether you like it or not. Control your breathing. The key is to think of something that makes you calm (a landscape, family, boyfriend bla bla bla) and taking deep breaths. Keep your heartbeat steady.
2. Clench your fists to control the shaking
3. Forget the whole thing ever happened
- basically, distract yourself from whatever opinion that you've just voiced out. That's what's bothering you. Doodle on a piece of paper or something.
4. Build confidence in yourself
- argumentative fright is DEFINITELY different compared to stage fright/anxiety. You want to speak but you're scared of how people will accept your opposition or suggestion. Before starting your recommendation, take a deep breath and be confident that no matter how stupid or illogical your opinion is, you voiced it out. Unlike that person in the back who has no opinions to voice at all.
That's all I have for now. Might edit in some more in the future (or make a part 2 or something). Remember, it doesn't matter whether your opinion is right or wrong. You stood up and expressed it, that's what matters.
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