i have a presentation to give tommorow and i am SCARED as hell any suggestions to overcome this fear ASAP?

Answer 1

Hey Michael, I once did a public speaking course (something I would definitely recommend - it was great!) anyway, the one thing that they taught us (which sounds HILAROUS but I swear it helped!) they said, when you stand up and face your audience - imagine them as human as you possibly can: i.e. imagine them doing mundane human things: like on the loo! weird I know but it humanises them and for some reason that makes you fear them less cos you realise that they're human like you! Other than that - talk sloooowly, pause for breathe, and always tell the truth! even if you think they'd prefer to hear something else (facts, figures, stats etc) cos its WAY harder to come back to them and admit you were wrong than it is to deal with their objections to your true facts / figures - even if they don't like them. all the best! hope that helps! Oh, and EAT BREAKFAST before you go! nothing worse than being starving and battling to concentrate!!! :)

Answer 2

know your subject as thoroughly as possible. If you don't have any doubts about the subject, thats a great start. What works for me as far as the public speaking fear goes, I imagine its a competition: who can do it the best? aren't there any other people giving presentations, or is it just you? If you're in a situation where other people sometimes give presentations, try to make yours the best you can, try to set the bar. If you think less about what your audience isn't going to like, and what they will instead, you're practically there. Think about what you don't like that other people do when they present, and tell yourself you won't do that. Like speaking too softly, I have a big problem with that. I come from a long line of mumblers, so I have a tendency to mumble when I speak in public. I really have to try to project my voice, and I couldn't untill I realized how much it bothered me when other people did it. Hope that helps, good luck.

Answer 3

Nothing to fear but fear itself. What is the worst thing that could happen? It is not life or death. Public speaking is the number one fear. Try to stand behind a podeum or some sort of stand. Hold on to it if need be. Look out over the audience but not directly at anyone. Imagine yourself talking with friends instead of talking at a crowd. Practice at home several times so that when you get there to give the speech it will be just like practice. Remind yourself that it does not matter what others think of you...the only thing you can do is be the best person you can be. Most people do not judge us like we think or imagine they will. For instance if you were in the audience you would not judge the speaker, you would be an active listner and soothe the speaker by being respectful. Anyone in an audience that would judge a speaker, be an inattentive audience member or be disrespectful of the one speaking should put no fear into you or any other speaker. It would more reflect their bad manners. Also, remember times you listened to speeches. Think of what traits good speakers had and what traits bad speakers had and try to use that as a role model. If you can make it fun, be relaxed, use some innocent humor, like maybe, laugh at yourself, you will have it made. If you begin by putting the audience at ease you will be more at ease. Start out before the speech by saying something like thanks for being here today speaking to groups isn't easy for me, but I think this audience will be kind and patient with me today. This is a way of informing your audience that #1 you are nervous #2 you respect and appreciate them #3 your expectations of a little gentle kindness. Most people respond lovingly to this and you will feel more at ease immediately. I wish you the best success. What does not kill you makes you stronger. Remember to pray first. If God is on your side who can be against you?

Answer 4

Sheesh, a bunch of advice to "don't be scared" ... that's helpful, huh?
Here's what I do ... Try imagining your audience in their underwear. It sounds cliche and trite, but it works. Think of yourself in a position of superiority over them (clothed) and you should feel better.
If you will have any friends in the audience, concentrate mainly on them (but not if it is only one friend - you'll look like a stalker!).
Good luck.

Answer 5

No matter what kind of presentation, always keep in mind that the people you are presenting to, have undoubtly been in your shoes knowing exactly what you are feeling. Ever one gets nervous, just make sure that you are prepared with your info, and be prepared for questions (depending on what kind of presentation) Everyone has been there, so just get through it with the ease of knowing that.

Answer 6

Practice your presentation in front of a mirror or with your parents ad your audience... let them evaluate your presentation........ at least you can corrected right there and then and not looking ad with many people...... i can only recommend to beyourself... if you have prepared everything... nothing to be scared of......... memorize the sequence of your presentation (not the presentation itself, you may suffer mental block if you miss a word)..... be natural!!!! sleep early tonight.... so that you dont fluffy eyes when you wake up.. relax.. you can do it!!!

Answer 7

imagine them doing the worst thing they could to you. I mean, what could it possibly be? They could throw tomatoes...if any of them had the forethought to have them handy. They could laugh at you, really hard, every time you said "the". But in truth, if this is for a class, or any other captive audience, they will stare blankly at you or their desk and not even pay much attention to what you are saying.

Answer 8

tell yourself everyone has to go through it. if you were watching someone do it, you wouldn't feel anxious at all right? and if you were the one watching, you would also wish the person would display confidence right?
since you have to do it, you might as well do it with poise and confidence! and make it a good one.
good luck!

Answer 9

be yourself, get over it, it's no big deal...I felt the same way and I just focus on peoples shirts and not their faces that way you look like you are making eye contact but you really are not...you are really making something out of nothing...

Good Luck

Answer 10

Hide in a cupboard and hope that it all works out ok.