Video Activity: ‘Why I live in mortal dread of

public speaking’ by Megan Washington

1. Watch the Ted Talk. What is Meg
Washington’s message? Try to explain it with your
own words.

2. Watch the first part (0:00- 2:47) of the Ted Talk.

Then answer these questions.
a. How serious does Megan consider her problem?
b. What’s she fearful of? What’s she not fearful of?
c. What things did she hope would happen when she
grew up?
d. What has she decided to do, now that she’s 28?

3. Watch the second part (2:47-5:22) of the Ted Talk.

Choose the best option to complete the sentences.
a. The other stutterer Megan met, Joe, thought she
was in love with him/ making fun of him.
b. Many people think she’s stupid/ drunk.
c. Megan finds it very difficult to say proper nouns/
people’s names.
d. If Megan thinks she’s going to stutter, she starts
the sentence again / thinks of a synonym.