Should I find a new job and quit my current job since I am not good a public speaking?

Question

I suck at public speaking and I realize that it's a big part of my job as an academic librarian where I will have to instruct students on finding reliable resources for their courses and I don't think I can do it tbh. I thought I could but I'm just not a good public speaker.

And I need to get out before they start making me instruct next semester. So is it a good idea to find a new job and quit this one before the new year sets in?

Advisor Smith · Accepted Answer

As an advisor who’s coached many professionals, I’d say: don’t quit yet.

Public speaking feels terrible for most people at first—especially librarians and academics. It’s a skill, not a personality trait.

Before deciding:

1. Ask your supervisor for gradual exposure: co‑teaching, shorter segments, smaller groups.
2. Take a short workshop or online course on presentation skills (many universities offer them).
3. Practice with colleagues or friends; record yourself and refine.
4. Reassess after one semester.

If, after intentional practice, you still dread it daily, then explore roles with less instruction. But give yourself a real chance first.

sage2021 · Answer

My first thought was that I would say not to quit this job until you already have a new job to go to.

If you quit and don't find another job and months go by, that's not going to look good, especially because you haven't had this job for very long yet

How's that going to look on your resumé?

No job or not for a while

Job for a few of months

No job again

Doesn't look too good. Sorry. 😔

I was always thankful for my 6th grade teacher, Mrs. McMillan. Every week we had to memorize something like The Preamble or something.
Then first thing every Monday morning I had to stand at the front of the class and say what I memorized out loud.

It was called "oral expression" and I got an A+ on that subject. I remember spending every single weekend memorizing something. Then I was a nervous wreck standing in front of the class with the teacher sitting right in front of me. But it was good training.

None of us are good at everything. And I can imagine how uncomfortable 🥵 it must be to have to keep doing something that you're just not good at.
It's not something you can look forward to every day.

I've held jobs that would give me a headache and make me almost vomit 🤮 because I hated being there everyday. It was torture for me. But there weren't any other jobs where I lived.

Do what you want to do that feels right for you. None of us have to endure what you are going through. It's all about you❣️

Levin · Answer

Guess you're in fight or flight mode.

I've always had social anxiety and fear of public speaking. However, I did face it and deliver training to the whole institution that I work at.

What I found helpful was two things.

Build up your confidence. ie Start small and you will start to conquer your fear.

Obviously, make sure you know your material, that always helps.

When giving public speaking, if you can start by reading something that makes it easier.

And doing it with another person so you have someone to fall back on if you go blank.

And my faith in God. Knowing that He has my back and I can put my trust and faith in him.

by the way, I just committed the cardinal sin of quitting my job before having one lined up. Not for that though, but that they're a bunch of cunts there :)

tiredpanda · Answer

I honestly wouldn't rush into quitting just yet. I completely understand why you feel that way because public speaking can be incredibly intimidating, especially if it's not something you're comfortable with. But it's also a skill you can improve with practice, and just because you're not good at it now doesn't mean you won't get better at it. Have you actually tried instructing students yet? You might surprise yourself! Also... maybe you could ask a colleague for some guidance or start with smaller groups to build up your confidence (or practice at home before next semester). That being said, if you genuinely feel like the job isn't right for you and it's making you miserable, there's nothing wrong with looking for something else. I'd just make sure you have another job lined up before quitting. Don't sell yourself short, though! :))

wynning · Answer

How do you feel about working up your public speaking skills? :)

I reckon this is a skill you can definitely build up, through practice. And if it's a fear, one you can overcome through exposure.

... Both of which are, not... comfortable when yer starting out... but once ya get yer confidence, you'll be flying!

I really think you have it in you!

With all that said though, if you think this is a part of the job that you just can't or don't want to deal with, finding another job to move to before quitting this one isn't an awful idea~

midnightmoon05 · Answer

Depends -

You have to look at the over all career.
pay? Good enough to pay someone to teach you how to make speeches. - great skill.
working with students? Who will be there to evaluate you?

what exactly do you need to say to these kids? ( age of kids)

what are your other career options? I am all about having a backup plan… but not a quitter.

you know…. The first time I read a book aloud to a class of 3rd grade students (I was an intern)…. The kids called me out that I was boring.
I went on and completed my degree and have been teaching for over 20 years. It’s a good career with the best pension in the US. Well one of the best lol

Shiprex · Answer

You absolutely can do it but perhaps don't want to do it. I became a teacher after learning how to instruct and teach as a teenager in tge army cadets (like scouts with guns) and that built my confidence to be unafraid of taking the lead in conversations and communication. It meant I had to train. myself in a way to be able to hear and listen to others to try to understand their needs.

It's not an impossible task for anyone, just needs a focus on looking people in the eyes and telling them stuff. Speak slowly and be conscious of yourself.

SamIam96 · Answer

Your writing on G@G is clear and articulate. I'm sure you have no problem speaking with your friends. These are students you're talking to and you're the "expert". Practice relaxing and be well prepared. I'm sure you'll do well and quickly find that you enjoy the experience.

Dr_Dixon_Cider · Answer

I mean, if you truly don't like public speaking and have no desire to get better at it... yeah, find something else to do.

It's like the pimp on my street corner said, "If they don't like sucking D, then they could go get a different job then."

exitseven · Answer

@simslover92 You don't suck at public speaking. You just have not found your personal style. A lot of the success in teaching lies in the preparation. You have to know the material inside and out so you can be confident. Students react to confidence just as they react to somebody who is faking it. If your job is going good you should not quit over this. You are just addressing a class of college students. It is not the same as making a big speech in front of a stadium full of people.

Static_In_The_Attic · Answer

Are You Out Of Your Flocking MIND? Where are you going to work next, OLIVE GARDEN? You Have A Career, DON’T LEAVE IT!

RingOfFire · Answer

As long as you find the new job BEFORE you quit this one then yes, from the sound of it it doesn't sound like this is the job for you.

But never quit a job without getting another one first unless you have enough money saved to support yourself for at least a year.

thegreenyogi · Answer

Whatever you do be quick about it. If this job isn't for you quit now and take your time to decide what job you really ideally would want to do.

Nikki1989 · Answer

I was the same until I completed a public speaking course. You could try that.

ohsheeT · Answer

I think its only your choice. I also thing the best time to do something is when you dont want to do it

I believe you were guided there for a reason i think embrace it while you're looking for another job and just let it play out

Genie23 · Answer

It's okay if you want to find a new job, but I really think you shouldn't quit until you find another one. Always make sure you have something to rely on first.

Massageman · Answer

Take a Dale Carnegie Course on Public Speaking and Presentation. I took two- back-to-back when I was a young adult and it helped a lot

slatyb · Answer

No, keep practicing and you will get better. Public speaking is not an innate skill that we either have or don't have.

DryGermanGuy · Answer

That's not public speaking. Standing on a box in Speakers' Corner, is public speaking.

bowenw · Answer

Try improving your public speaking skills before you have to make the decision. You’re probably not as bad at it as you think you are.

MrChinaski · Answer

You'll learn skills, gain confidence. Everybody goes through it.

Paige2006 · Answer

Stick it out! Make it a challenge

dudeinohio · Answer

If you can't do it, then find a new job.

Should I find a new job and quit my current job since I am not good a public speaking?

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