--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Speakers' nerves affect them in various…" description: "\"Speakers' nerves affect them in various ways. Some tremble, some become frenzied. I lose all confidence, and suffer from a leaden oppression that makes..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e78/robertson-davies-834_communication_speakers-nerves-affect-them-in-various-w_300793.png" --- # Speakers' nerves affect them in various ways. Some… ![“Speakers' nerves affect them in various ways. Some tremble, some become frenzied. I lose all confidence, and suffer from a leaden oppression that makes me wonder why I ever agreed to speak at all; the Tomb and the Conqueror Worm seem preferable to delivering the stupid and piffling speech I have…” quote by Robertson Davies](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e78/robertson-davies-834_communication_speakers-nerves-affect-them-in-various-w_300793.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e78/robertson-davies-834_communication_speakers-nerves-affect-them-in-various-w_300793.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e78/robertson-davies-834_communication_speakers-nerves-affect-them-in-various-w_300793.png) > “Speakers' nerves affect them in various ways. Some tremble, some become frenzied. I lose all confidence, and suffer from a leaden oppression that makes me wonder why I ever agreed to speak at all; the Tomb and the Conqueror Worm seem preferable to delivering the stupid and piffling speech I have so carefully prepared.” [Robertson Davies](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robertson-davies/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Anxiety about public speaking can feel oppressive, making alternative, darker images seem preferable. **In simple terms:** Fear of speaking makes other thoughts seem better. Key Takeaway Practice and preparation reduce speaking anxiety. Themes public speaking anxiety self-doubt performance literature Mood nervous critical thoughtful Type motivational advice When to use this quote - academic presentations - work meetings - social events - public debates Key Concepts psychology social pressure confidence Questions to Reflect On - What triggers your speaking nerves? - How can you reframe the experience? A Different Perspective Fear can be amplified by negative self‑talk. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Communication](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/communication/) [Confidence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/confidence/) [Conqueror](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conqueror/) [Nerves](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nerves/) [Oppression](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/oppression/) [Speech](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/speech/) [Suffering](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/suffering/) [Wonder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wonder/) ## Related quotes > [I had to learn: I couldn't allow my confidence to suffer based on winning or losing. 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