I have to do a presentation next week. Although I am quite confident with all the material and already made a perfect outline for my speech, yet I am very nervous about presenting them to the class. I've always had issues with doing presentation since I was in high school, and it's quite embarassing that it actually shows on my face as I became very nervous, my cheeks would turn red, my voice stutters, and my hands are shaking as I'm holding the papers, then the teacher or my class would try to tell me to calm down. This also happen quite often as I'm talking to new people, too. So how can I overcome this fear of speaking in front of the class? Thanks
2006-11-21 15:15:53 · 8 answers · asked by BeBe 1 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Fears of public speaking are among the most common with every one. You have done the first step with your preperation which is know you subject well.
Practice your presentation now, in front of a mirror and if possible on tape. Identify places where you feel particularly uncomfortable and work those rough edges out.
Prior to your presentation do some 4x4s. These are deep relaxation breathing techniques. Pull air into your lungs with your tummy. If you put your hand on your tummy, it should extend out as you take a breath in and then go in as you push the breath out. You should do ten. (Practice this ahead of time too). Laugh at something, hard, even if its yourself, before you go, laughter is the best relaxer there is. Have a glass of water close by.
Pick a couple of people to make eye contact with that you feel good about...someone who smiles and makes eye contact with you is great. Pretend you are only talking to those people, even while looking at others in the room.
Be sure to allow time for questions. Good luck.
2006-11-21 15:31:34 · answer #1 · answered by Dust in the Wind 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, Take a deep breath and relax. You will probably try to get through the presentation faster than you normally would, Your better off slowing down your speech. Remember, the faster you try to open a door, the slower you get in. When writing up the presentation, include extended pauses. Don't overdo the coffee, it makes people twitchy. Pick a person in front of you and try to talk to them, rather than the entire group, Looking around occasionally.
2006-11-21 15:24:07 · answer #2 · answered by mitch h 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Long, thorough practicing. You may be confident with presenting it to yourself, but until you're ready to present it to others you're not totally confident with it. Go to people who you know will make you feel good only once in a while to remind yourself that you are awesome. You have to be your biggest critic so that you are prepared to take criticism from anyone about any part of your presentation. First impressions are very intimidating to many people; just be yourself and don't try to impress people, the same goes for performance: just do what you do, and do it well.
2006-11-21 16:59:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I teach, I'm DEFINITELY not me. I don't do well being me. Especially infront of larger audiences -- even though I'm the resident expert and have all of the answers. I turn on this manic little character that can say and do just about whatever the He__ he pleases. Most people start to laugh. I'm sure others think I'm a loon. What do I care? I am the "Expert." It's almost like watching Robin Williams doing a comedy sketch. See if you can't summon that cocky, little character in your head.
2006-11-21 15:29:06 · answer #4 · answered by Doc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People are on your side and want you to succeed. They know how difficult it is to speak in public. Pick out a friendly face in the crowd and talk to that person to get started. Concentrate on what you are saying... not on how you are saying it. If you have prepared and are well groomed there is nothing more you can do. Go out there and enjoy yourself. It's only for a little time.
2006-11-21 15:25:26 · answer #5 · answered by greenwillowtrie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One famous solution is to take a deep breath. But that does not work for me, so i imagine that i have a different face or i am wearing a mask, so other people can't see me. Only then, i can do my "thing" on stage.
2006-11-21 17:00:31 · answer #6 · answered by Me'Shell 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stand at the lecturn for a moment without saying anything.
Gaze out at the students, and make believe that are sitting naked ! That should relax you...and relaxation is all you need. Good luck
2006-11-21 15:28:36 · answer #7 · answered by skwonripken 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pretend you are a different person, one who's a show-off and loves to be on stage. Pretend to be up on the cieling looking down at yourself. And good luck!
2006-11-21 15:19:09 · answer #8 · answered by Kacky 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋