DR. WALLACE: I plan to join the military after I graduate from high school this spring. My grades are very good, but I might have a problem and I need your advice.
I know that I must pass a rigid physical examination before being accepted into the military and I'm concerned that something might show up relating to the spray sniffing. Is it possible that I could have caused lung damage that I'm not aware of?
I realize that "sniffing" was a stupid misadventure, but what has been done has been done and there is nothing I can do about it now. - Nameless, Lima, Ohio.
NAMELESS: Short-term use of most inhalants is unlikely to cause irreversible damage. However, long-term use (two years of steady sniffing) can, and often does, cause severe, irreparable damage to the body.
To be on the safe side, explain your previous "sniffing" experience with your family doctor and undergo a thorough physical examination.
TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SPEECH
DR. WALLACE: I'm taking a public speaking class at the University of Iowa. I enjoy the class, but I'm nervous about giving my speech in front of the class in three weeks. My speech is going to be on being kind and compassionate to animals. I feel comfortable with my material; it's the presentation that scares me.
I assume you speak before groups and would be willing to pass on a few tips for me. Our instructor is good and has given us his "tips for a successful speech." You might have one or two that are not on his list. I really need an A in this course and I do enjoy it immensely. — Jill, Iowa City, Iowa.
JILL: I have spoken to many groups, ranging from 20 to over 2,000, and regardless of the group's size, I'm always nervous speaking, but once the speech is underway, the butterflies go away.
I, too, enjoyed a public speaking class in college. I took it during the summer at the Gary extension of Indiana University. The class helped prepare me to speak with nervousness, but without fear. Here are the techniques I've picked up along the way. Good luck!
—Never memorize a speech, but know your subject matter.
—Use note cards. Key words and ideas should be printed in easy-to-read form.
—Practice your speech in front of a mirror, looking yourself in the eye.
—Know as much about your audience as possible.
—Keep constant eye contact with the audience.
—Whenever possible, use a rostrum.
—Don't consume food two hours before speaking.
—Never consume coffee, tea or soft drinks before speaking.
—Keep a glass of water on the shelf beneath the rostrum.
—Project your voice so the people in the last row can hear you.
—If you make a grammatical mistake or misstatement, correct yourself immediately.
Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
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