how do you get over stage fright before making a presentation?

Answer 1

Honestly, the best way to get over nervousness before speaking in public is practice, practice, practice. The more presentations you make the better you will become and the more comfortable you will get in front of other people. Also, before you make a presentation, rehearse in front of a mirror several times so you can be comfortable with what you are saying.

Answer 2

Your stage fright is a signal. Pay attention to stage fright signals. All stage fright moves in stages (pun intended). The first stage is mild. The second stage evolves from mild stage fright into abject fear. This stage is the "signal stage," alerting you that the unknown lies ahead--you're on your guard. A final stage is "avoidance."

We avoid the unknown as a self-defense tactic. It's a normal nervous system response; it's the cause of anxiety, sweating, and more. But this normal response can be debilitating. Allow avoidance and you'll never get past your fear. Reverse it by making the unknown known. Plan for everything. If something "goes wrong," you'll have made contingency plans. Your fear will have "taught" you that you needed to plan.

Use the fear as an energy booster. Think about the adrenaline! Find ways to channel it properly (through humor, writing, planning) and you'll see the benefits of fear. Remember that we all feel fear, even when we're experienced speakers. The meaning that we make about the fear is what negatively or positively affects us.

Let your fear move you into action. Research your topic. Structure your speech. Talk to the meeting planner.

Finally, admit to your self that you’re shaky or nervous, and accept that the audience will notice. Sometimes it's appropriate to mention it briefly to the audience without dwelling on it. It HUMANIZES you. The more you connect with the audience as a person, the calmer you'll feel.

Answer 3

There is a therapy technique called desensitization. It basically means that you "desensitize" yourself by adapting to the situation you are afraid of in baby steps.

To overcome stage freight, you could try the following course:
1. Sit or lie comfortably in a place that is very nonthreatening. (Perhaps your bedroom). Imagine yourself giving the presentation but take special notice if you feel you heart race or sweating. This is your body's way of notifying you that it is nervous. Once you begin to feel nervous, use positive self-talk. Tell yourself that you recognize your physical symptoms. Then tell yourself that you are completely prepared, you know exactly what you want to say and you are smart and poised. Also tell yourself that you are perfectly capable of handling this situation. Being able to recognize the stress and subsequent physical symptoms is the first step towards overcoming them.
2. Give your presentation to one person, whom you trust deeply. Ask them to give opinions or ask questions about your presentation. This will allow you to practice not only your presentation, but controlling your anxiety.
3. Increase your audience size from one to several by adding one person at a time.

Before you know it, you will be much more prepared to handle the situation than when you started. Remember that you have certainly conquered situations much more stress-inducing than this, so you can do it!

Answer 4

Think about all the things that are so much worse than making a presentation, or think about the people who have to make presentations every day and try to get in their same mindset of enjoying it. It also helps to remember that everyone in the audience is supporting you. They want you to succeed in your presentation and successfully communicate something to them. Also, don't forget to breathe and relax. Good luck!

Answer 5

Realize that the audience is not going to eat you alive! You must know your subject and material well before starting.Read it out loud and try to keep it slow so everyone can understand. Sometimes fear makes your voice a pitch higher and speak really fast.Take a deep breath and have at it.

Answer 6

jumping up and down
get that button from staples that says "that was easy"
bring in your mp3 with the "eye of the tiger" song
have a friend tell you a funny joke so that you can giggle your way to the presentation
tell yourself that they are just people
tell yourself how cool you are
if someone is going to do a presentation after you, then just say to yourself that you have to do better than him/her
Be Prepared!!! You do not want to panick if you are missing something and they single you out.
Good Luck:)

Answer 7

the more presentations you make the easier it will become . initially though , just prepare your material as well as you can ,
look for some familiar faces in the crowd , smile , be poised , and give it your best shot ! after the first time ......it will become much easier .

best of luck !

cheers !

Answer 8

i always pretend im in front of my friends and if that doesnt work i single out one person and act as if im talking only to him/her. i always choose a person i know or have seen before

Answer 9

Practice, practice, and then, yep, practice some more! You never really get over it, but you can learn to overcome it.

Answer 10

Imagine everyone naked. It works!