Ty's Talk

Two weeks ago Ty came into my class after primary with tears rolling down his cheeks. I asked him what happened and why he was crying: "I have to give a talk in Primary and I don't want to!" Poor little Ty! He does not like public speaking! He hates getting up in front of people and he hates talking in the microphone! He said to my mom one time "Mimi, every time I get up in front of people it feels like a tornado is going through my body!"

I really encourage Ty that it would be okay and that if he said a prayer Heavenly Father would help him to be able to give his talk. For two weeks we practiced...and practiced....and practiced his two minute talk.

We even went over to the church and Ty practiced giving his talk three times in front of Grandma Lewis! Mara wanted to have a turn giving his talk so he whispered in her ear the words to his talk and she said the entire thing. He did great! (And it was super cute to see Ty help his little sister give his talk!)

The day of the talk arrived. We practiced some more before church. Ty's topic was: Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Son of Miracles. Ty talked about a time he went fishing with just his mom and dad but we couldn't catch any fish. Then he likened it to the story in the scriptures about Simon Peter who couldn't catch any fish either. Jesus came and told him to put his net in the water and when he pulled his net up it was filled with fish.

Talk knew his talk. He said it perfectly at home every time we practiced it. But when it came time to stand up in front of everyone Ty just got too nervous and could barely utter a sound! I made him stick with it, and he mumbled the words as I told them to him up at the stand. A few words into his talk I asked him if I should ask Mara to give his talk instead and he said "Can we still go to McDonald's if she gives my talk for me?" (His incentive or positive reinforcement for giving the talk was an ice cream at McDonald's!) NO! And you are still going to give your talk!

So we made it to the end and instead of being mad at him for giving his talk the way he did I was more concerned for him. What do I do?! How can I help him with his fear? It is something he must overcome but I don't know what will help him. I've thought about taking Ty to a counselor or psychologist, but maybe it's just something I have to keep helping him with and hopefully with faith, time, and more positive experiences he can overcome this! Any suggestions or comments on this matter would be appreciated!