2006-09-29 04:19:17 · 11 answers · asked by Lotus 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Sometimes my face gets red, I get all shaky, I can't think at all, my heart feels like I'm going to have a heart attack, etc...
2006-09-29 04:25:17 · update #1
Definately do not go on medication. Doctors will perscribe anything for even minor things that don't need drugs. There are courses you can take on public speaking, so I would look into that. In the meantime, as much as you don't like it, take every opportunity you can to give presentations. The more you do it, the easier it becomes.
2006-09-29 04:27:34 · answer #1 · answered by james44_20 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fear of public speaking is extremely common. When the fear causes you to avoid certain situations, putting your academic or professional life in jeopardy it must be addressed.
Toastmasters is a great forum in which to practice public speaking. It caters to people looking to overcome the type of symptoms you are experiencing in a addition to helping accomplished speakers fine tune their skills.
Some tips I find useful:
People are very self absorbed. They are usually thinking about what they are going to say and are not as focused on you as it might appear.
Know your topic inside and out. Forgetting what you planned to say triggers panic!
Practice breathing techniques. When nervous, people often take shallow breaths. Sometimes they even hold their breath. This sends a message to the brain that there is a threat of some kind. The brain responds with adrenaline release which creates the symptoms you experience.(The accelerated heart rate, etc.)
Good Luck!
2006-09-29 06:29:08 · answer #2 · answered by sj 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, remember you are the expert in what you are speaking on. While you are up there look at your audience and mentally imagine them all as your friends, and you are helping them out. If you are prepared for the talk and know the material this should bolster you mentally. You might also try relaxing before the presentation like a power nap or a reread of the highlights of your speech. I have, in my job had to speak to as few as 5 people and have had to speak to an audience of 600 or more and these are the methods I use, I am the expert, they need to know this, I want to help them and I make sure I know my materials.
2006-09-29 04:35:18 · answer #3 · answered by george m 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you go up to the front of the class bring a notebook so the paper wont shake when you read it. Focus on what you have to do and how you feel rather than thinking about what everyone is thinking about you. Concentrate on your breath and you'll stay very calm. After a while, you'll eventually get used to it, and it'll be nothing to you. Don't hold people in such high regard, you're going through the educational process to better yourself in life, not to impress them. Always keep your focus. You'll do awesome.
2006-09-29 04:26:38 · answer #4 · answered by Answerer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I've never had this problem, I don't get nervous in front of people, perhaps it's because I don't expect anything from them. When I perform something I perform it because I love doing it and if other people can appreciate what I do then I've fulfilled the purpose of doing it, but if they don't, then they missed out. When I say something I don't say it for hyperbolic reverence, but because I mean it, and if other people agree with me, then great, if they don't, then no matter, I said what needed to be said.
Do something for the reason you came up there to do it, not for the people you're doing it in front of.
2006-09-29 04:30:53 · answer #5 · answered by thalog482 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Realize that, at that very moment, these people came to hear what YOU have to say, and that puts you in charge of the situation. That is very empowering.
Personally, I like public speaking. I used to work in Talk Radio.
2006-09-29 05:53:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think most people feel that way at first. I've heard trying to imagine everyone in their underwear works.
Be confident!
2006-09-29 04:27:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
By doing it more and making sure you practice in front of a mirror so that you know your speech well.
2006-09-29 04:26:45 · answer #8 · answered by Michelle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look at the audience and imagine that they are all sitting there naked.
It works everytime!
2006-09-29 04:42:48 · answer #9 · answered by moebiusfox 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a trick, I have never tried it myself, but they say that it will work. Picture your audience nude. Sounds bizarre but it might work.
2006-09-29 04:29:59 · answer #10 · answered by Coolguy 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋