How can I not be nervous when talking?!?

Question

Whenever I have to talk in front of my class I get very nervous and I start to talk very fast! I can't help it! I try to slow down but that somehow makes me feel as if even more people are watching me and that makes me even more nervous!! Sometimes I will start to shake (especially when I am standing up when talking) and that will make me fidget and move around. Even when I know have have to talk in front of people in the next couple of minutes I already start to get scared. Does anybody have any tips or ideas that could help me out at all?!? Anything is great.

Answer 1

1. Take a deep breath and hold it for a second or two then let it all the way out.

2. Don't try to hide the fact that you're nervous. Everyone can plainly see it and it's O.K.

3. Think about being accepting of your nervousness for the benefit of your audience. That is, don't make a big deal out of it because they are nervous, too, about you being nervous. They want everything to go alright for you. To put them at ease, when you catch yourself talking too fast, stop and make a little bit of a production out of repeating yourself more slowly.

4. To keep your attention on the present moment, try connecting with someone in your audience by looking them in the eye and speaking directly to them. Don't stare at one person too long, but try to say each thing you are saying to a specific person as if you are telling them directly. Pay attention to whether or not they are getting what you're saying, not just how it sounds.

Answer 2

Public speaking can be nerve wrecking! I used to get nervous but this helped. First do not look at anyone in particular. Look above the crowd. Second, practice and know what you will be speaking about. Know the subject matter and that way you will be confident. Some schools will provide classes in Public Speaking. If you have a way to record your voice, do so. Then try recording your voice and you will hear how you sound. That way you can improve on the parts of speech you need to improve on. Keep your voice at a normal tone. Practice practice practice. You will be fine!

Answer 3

It's perfectly normal to be nervous. Listen, the people you are talking to are probably classmates and teachers grading.

The first group (classmates) should be easy. You know them. You see them every single day. If you are so nervous think of yourself as the most popular kid in the class. Everyone wants to be just like you. They are all marveling at your paper.

The teacher is a different category and needs different attention. The teacher is probably grading you if this is a paper. Teachers are always grading but tell yourself she/he isn't. Say to yourself: I've rehearsed my paper and checked my facts. If it isn't good now it will never be.
But tell yourself it's the best paper you've written. After the fact though you should remain humble and see what you could have done better on in future.

Don't be nervous, you're not the only one!!

Answer 4

i used to feel the same and had to take personality enhancement classes back home. just before you face the crowd, the best thing to do is: 1. take three deep breaths, inhale from the nose and exhale from the mouth 2. walk into your spot 3. shut out the other people around you and imagine you're talking to just one person in particular. you can do this by looking at a friend or someone you know from the audience during the whole speech. tip: talk to a friend who can sit in a front row seat that you will see easily. if not, then just direct your sight to a person familiar to you. it worked for me and i hope it was going to work for you too. good luck

Answer 5

just remember that everyone is nervous to a certain degree. try practicing in front of your family or friends. or make a joke of it, pretend it has a really great punchline that you actually want people to hear, or really do make it funny or exciting. mostly remember that you're nervous because something could embarrass you ( a mistake, throwing up, people laughing, or whatever it is ) just keep in mind that the worst that could happen is someone laughing at you ( or insert fear here) and it'll calm you down. no one is dying or sick or anything bad, it's just so uncomfortable, but it'll be over in a min., and you can move on! good luck!

Answer 6

I also get nervous when speaking in front of many people. I have to constantly remind myself to apeak slowly and clearly. It also helps if you are well prepared about what you arew speaking about, know exactly and try to think of things people may ask you.
Once you know exactly what you want to say it should be easier to say. Those people are there to listen to what you have to say, try to make it interesting by including a little known fact about the subject ro throw in a theory or two to get them thinking.
At the end of the day they are only people like you, you have nothing to prove to them.
Good luck

Answer 7

Believe it or not,most people with out a lot of public speaking experience can identify with what you're saying. The only true cure is time and practice doing more speeches in front of family and friends and being super prepared before you give your actual speech.

Answer 8

i think its natural for people to get nervous in front of their class! i get nervous all the time but i try to think of something funny and if that doesnt help than just do the best u can without gettin nervous and if somebody laughs at u they have no reason cuz they r no better than u!!

Answer 9

Give your self a time to breath, and before you start take deep breaths using your Stomach around 10 times. Success

Answer 10

don't worry about anyone else but u!! not many people as u think pay attention they are kinda off in there own little world just take ur time and just remember to breath u will be fine! everyone always get nervous!! just take ur time and everything will be wonderful :) good luck!!