Help! my voice won't stop shaking !!?

Question

I have just started on a teacher training course and had to give a presentation on the 2nd day!!
I did not feel too nervouse but when I got up to speak in front of 15 new classmates and my tutor my voice just crackled and trembled all the way through. I just wanted the ground to open up and end my misery.

Have another one in two days time!!! Does anyone have any tips to help stop my voice quivering so much......desperate.!

A big Thankyou to everyone for all your help it is really appreciated, I will give it a try. So hard to choose best answer so apologies to all cause you were all great but the nip of whisky snatched it ...must remember only have one or will ahve another load of problems to deal with. Once again THANKS !!

Answer 1

I have been in your shoes. I can't even think about all the times I had to give a presentation and I shook so bad.
I discovered that breathing through my nose and talking very slowly (you won't sound that slow to your audience) really helps. It's when you start talking fast that the nervousness shows. If all else fails take a shot of whisky before your presentation...ok so that's probably not the wisest but it's worked in desperate situations. Good luck!

Answer 2

You know, I still have those days, too.
Hints:
1) Realise it's natural. You want to make a good impression and you are concerned what they will think. This will make anyone nervous.
2) Realise that others are nervous and understand your position. The tutor will understand that your nerves are getting you.
3) Practice what you are going to say at home or to family/friends with whom you feel comfortable. If you feel confident that you are well prepared, you won't get nervous as easily. Once you do the actual presentation, it will come out more natural.
4) Take some deep breaths before you go up and try to relax. Try to have a little fun up there (if fun is allowed in your teacher training course....☺) Try to be comfortable and yourself. The rest will take care of itself.

Answer 3

Prepare and rehearse as much as possible between now and then and - memorise your introduction.

Take a couple of deep calming breaths before you begin.

Walk tall and proud (this helps open up your airways as well as creating presence).

Don't forget that your classmates are all in the same position and your tutor is there to help - they all want you to succeed.

Also, how you think you sound and how you actually sound are very different. You may think you voice is shaking dreadfully but your audience will probably not even notice it.

You are in control of how fast, slow, loud or quiet your voice is, so use it to your benefit.

Good luck and don't forget everyone gets nervous to some degree (even the pro's!).

Answer 4

Just relax. Take deep breaths. But not too many! It makes you go dizzy. Try to speak in front of family, then start to increase the size of the group. You'll get use to it. But since you're nervous about giving a presentation of people, then picture that you're speaking in front of nobody or the one that you're most comfortable with. Speak at a slow, steady pace instead of the rushed one.

Answer 5

How do you do interviews or with small group of friends? It would be great if your good in both previously mention situations, because then you can use the mind set you just in an interview with group of friends. It sounds like your getting hung up on every utterance made, or trying to be to perfect. If your not teaching speech to group of communication majors, than maybe you should lighten up a bit on yourself. Build into your presentation more questions you can ask the class. See if you can find supremely safe stuff to joke about. O my can anyone tell me why we have to learn this stuff. Your in a canoe gently paddling and not in speed boat trying to hit every wave correctly.

Answer 6

If you were a Thespian rather than a Teacher you would probably experience this regulary. With that in mind, just imagine that you are infact on a stage and that once your initial twinge is finished, (it is normal after all) you can continue with your performance!

I'm sure you'll be fine and the good news is, they're not allowed to throw rotten veg at you!!!

Answer 7

Have no tips, it's normal. Many people fear speaking in public. I went up on stage at a Red Dwarf convention Q&A in 2000, and was so nervous. It is hard, but it gets easier the second time. If it's the same people, they'll know you, and that familiarity will work in your favour.

Answer 8

When speaking, try to concentrate on one person for a small length of time and then move onto another, try to treat it as chatting to a group of friends in a pub, you wouldn't speak to them all at once but go from one to another. i know it is harder when people aren't replying.
The main thing is you've done it once, so it can only get better each time.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll be fine.

Answer 9

take your time, speak slowly and think about how you are saying the words, your probably rushing it which causes you voice to sound shaky. I had that problem, once you do a few presentations it gets better and you get used to talking

Answer 10

before the speech starts , stand up in front of the mirror and look at yourself and say for 100 time ; My voice wont shake this time.I Can do it better this time...
I am sure it will help.
Good luck