This is something I have always struggled with........?

Question

I get extremely nervous talking infront of a group of people. This fall I am going back to University and In the program there will be alot of presentations. Just thinking about it gives me knots in my stomach. How do I cope? How do I not look stupid infront of these ppl?

Answer 1

1. Plan. For every presentation, plan well. Everything can be overcome with the right amount of planning. Including stage freights.
2. Articulate well. Practice in front of the mirror. Think everytime before you speak. When you are making a speech or presentation, you are trying to deliver a message or information. Keep in mind: what is most important is not how you look or how interesting what you are saying is, but how you deliver the message so that everybody understands. Talk slowly, take your time. If you're loud and clear, everybody will listen.
3. Put the spotlight on the audience. Do not imagine that all eyes are on you. Imagine that all eyes are on them, like they themselves are on the stage and you are in their seats telling them what to do like director.
4. Practice proper posture and gestures. This helps, and allows you not to be too verbal and express yourself in another way. It adds in the overall positive effect too.
5. Be objective. Say only what you need to say, no less and no more.
6. Have enough rest before every presentation. It clears your mind and lets you muster the confidence factor.
7. Smile. (You're on candid camera. =) )

Answer 2

The best thing is to talk with people more, and try and become more confident. Practice talking in front of groups, but also just say 'hi' to random people when you're walking around. If there is someone you don't know sitting by themselves, you can go up and talk to them: ask their name, chit-chat with them, etc. Just try to get more social. As your social confidence grows, so will your public speaking ability. Most of all, before speaking: just try and be calm before you speak. Something I bet will work is something I learned from a book by Dr. Victor Frankl (the later half of which was entitled "Logotherapy in a Nutshell"). Before you speak, think to yourself: "I am going to mess up every word and say everything wrong ON PURPOSE!" If you do this in a joking manner, as sort of a little private joke, it seems funny, and loosens you up. You would have to make it personal, though. Make up your own little thought for each presentation, or one for them all: make it something ridiculous and completely contradictory to what you want to happen, and it will calm you down and will help you avoid the mistakes you were afraid of.

Answer 3

Stage fright is a very common thing. Just practice your presentations until you have them completely memorized and that should help. Also, maybe try out for a play or something. It's really comforting because by the time the show goes on, you know you have everything down pat so you don't freak out as much. It'll really help overall. I know it helped me!

Answer 4

Most likely if your not a little nervous you won't do well... Now remember to breathe and picture all those people putting there pants on the same way you do... Or you can look at there eye brows really I do this when I lecture I never see there eyes only eye brows... It looks like your looking right at them when your not !!..lol it's kinda funny but these two goofy things work for me... Angel

Answer 5

practicing did nothing for me. speaking in front of people in classes are the most terrifying experiences i've ever had in my life. sometimes i went without practice, sometimes i did it after drinking, sometimes i did it on topics i found interesting, sometimes i had to do it on stuff i knew/cared nothing about. there was no real rhyme or reason to how comfortable i was talking in front of people. all i can say to help is that no matter how awful it is, it's NEVER as bad as you expect it WILL be, you'll always feel great when you've gotten it over with, and once you're done with university, none of it will matter... so just suck it up as best you can and move on with what's important to you.

Answer 6

By practicing your speech or presentation at home then look past the people at the wall behind them going back and forth from the wall to the desk.

Never make eye contact and imagine your speeaking to furniture, I got so many A's because the professor thinks you are looking at them.

Answer 7

Most people are nervous when they have to give a speech.Just know your material take a deep breathe pick out a friendly face in the front row and start talking. You'll be fine.

Answer 8

I found taking a speech class at the college was the best thing I could have ever done to boost my confidence in public speaking, this way you are taught true techniques and its an in your face approach of weekly speeches instead of one every 4 months that counts for 50% of your grade.

The one I took was called Business and Professional Speaking and it was a true asset.

Answer 9

This seems to be a common fear of many people.

For some genetic reason, I never feared that situation.

However, one way to get good practise is to speak in front of groups of your friends or your family and get their impressions. You can also join a Toastmasters' organization in your area, which will aid you in presenting more freely.

Answer 10

You just have stage fright, when speaking in public don't look at the people you are speaking to, look above them slightly (but don't make it obvious) and also try to think ONLY about what you are trying to say don't think about your apperance or what the crowd might be thinking about you and it might be helpful if you have time to learn some good relaxation breathing excerises.