i hate giving speeches, help?

Question

i have to give a presentation in class. i always get nervous before i go before a group of people and talk. its only 11 people but i'm nervous anyway. suggestions please?

Answer 1

Its very normal to be nervous anytime you address a group no matter how many their are. First try to be confident in what you have to say, if you believe it you can voice it. Next don't worry about how they will judge you, they are their for information not to dissect your every move but you can try to put something in your pocket and hold it with one hand while you talk to help steady your self. Also you can use a horizon line right above every ones head on the wall to focus on as you look around the room so that it appears your making eye contact but your not. If you find your self saying um allot try to make a joke out of it or say your just so rapped up in the fact you just cant decide what to tell everyone next (be exited) and a good joke is also a good ice breaker for the beginning of the speech if you have one to kind of set the mood and gain comfort. Good luck and it gets easier the more you do it.

Answer 2

Use the nervousness to your advantage.
This feeling of nervousness is the added adrenaline that you experience when your body reacts to a situation - much like a roller coaster (only you don't have to speak).

Consider this: typically presentations in classes are all given on different subjects and therefore, you know more about the subject than anybody else. Adrenaline can actually help you with not saying the wrong thing. It usually makes for a more energetic and better speech if you have some anxiety as well.

Don't worry about the other people in the class - they're nervous too. More people fear public speaking than death, they won't care if you seem a little nervous because they feel the same way when giving their presentations. If they don't get nervous giving a presentation, there's something wrong with them.

Practice before-hand will give you confidence. You have to give the presentation anyway. If you feel a confidence in the material, you should feel confidence giving the presentation.
When giving the presentation, remember that any mistake you make will go unnoticed unless you tell them of the mistake - just move on.

Don't Panic

Answer 3

I am just like you! I had a class of about 18 and every week for my Presentation Speaking class we had to give 15 minute speech (it went up 10 minutes each class). What I learned to get over my nervousness was:

1) Practice your speech several times, when you know what you are saying it tends to make you less nervous, more comfortable and able to be ready for any interruptions (Questions, adding in information, etc)

2) Don't fumble with your note cards, look just at one person or sway back and forth -- you may drop your cards, the person you are staring at might feel awkward.

3) If the instructor lets you speak from a podium, I would definitely talk from behind it. There you can rest your hands and kind of feel "protected" per say behind the podium.

4) Don't think negative thoughts the day before and day of the speech. It may hinder your abilities and lower your confidence in speaking.

Basically just see it as talking to your group of friends, if everyone in your class gets along, then go in there with up most confidence! Good Luck! =D

Answer 4

Hi,
There's loads of information on the following site and also a book which helps you prepare and practise speeches. Look at the page below and then browse thru the rest of the site for ideas and help. Details about the book are near the bottom of the second page I've listed.
Hope this helps

Answer 5

I used to give speeches a lot for my job.

I would talk to everyone but I would find 2-3 people and keep coming back to make eye contact with them.

It always worked for me.

Answer 6

When I make speeches, I just think about how nobody really cares when you make mistakes. When people make mistakes in public, do you really care that much? Of course not! And the people listening to your speech don't care about the mistakes either. They appreciate the value of work, time, and effort put into it, and they respect that. Get out there, and share your opinion.

Answer 7

People say speeches in front of millions everyday. Just don't worry, imagine it as talking to some friends, they're all human.

Answer 8

Remember that they are just people, too, and that no one is perfect. Try imagining everyone in their underwear, or in a funny outfit or something. Also, look just above people's heads, don't make direct eye contact. That should help.

Answer 9

practice a lot, so you know the material, not just memorizing what you need to say. that way if you lose your place you can cover better if you know other things you can add. remember that getting up there is the worst part, after you actually start you will concentrate on what you're saying and not the other people. it'll be fine, good luck!

Answer 10

OH please! They are as nervous...if not more nervous as you! My words of advise would be to go as soon as possible in front of the group...the longer you wait, the worse it is going to get! Memorize your speech and say it in front of your pets, mirror, or friends whom you are comfortable with....and then when the time comes....and you are standing in front of them....just imagine yourself in front of people you know....who are wearing their underwear!!! You must make eye contact with your audience...so when you are doing that just put yourself in a place in your mind where you see NOTHING except the images in your head...

in short...
the key is to be comfortable with what you are delivering so that you may concentrate on what you are saying instead on who is looking at you!