How do i get rid of my severe stage fright?

Question

I have a presentation to give to my science class on Monday. I've known all of the students since grade school, but i still cannot speak in front of them. I'm actually more nervous in front of smaller groups which is strange. Any advice you give would be great and appriciated! Thanks!

Answer 1

Hey, I had to give a presentation tonight, and I went through the exact same thing.
First of all, be prepared and know the material you'll be presenting.
Secondly, just tell yourself, "these are my friends, people I've know all of my life".
Third, just remember, that everyone that will be watching you is just a normal human being like yourself and they're no better than you.
Fourth, come Tuesday morning noone will remember anything you said, so don't sweat it.
Fifth, just tell yourself, "this will all be over in just a few minutes."

You'll be ok. Don't worry about it, and enjoy your weekend.

Answer 2

First of all, try to really embody the character you are auditioning for. For me, I had horrible stage fright. And if I'm speaking in front of a crowd for a report or something, i still do. But when I am acting, it isn't ME in front of those people. It is my character. That helped me relax a lot once I began to become the character. Also, remember that being in front of a camera is not as nerve wracking as being in front of a crowd. You will never have to encounter the response of the audience face to face. And while casting directors can be terrifying, remember that the times that they seem rude or abrupt, it is just because they are busy. Being cut off in the middle of an audition is not always a bad thing. I have been cut off in the middle of every audition that I've gotten the part for. It was just that they saw all that they needed to. They seem like stone, but it's strictly professional. It doesn't mean they're sitting there thinking you're awful. Finally, get a good nights rest before the audition. You don't want to be tired. Dress professionally, and they'll take you more seriously. Breathe a lot, and keep a hold on reality. Break a leg!

Answer 3

Hi, Stage-fright is common and normal. Even great speakers also have admitted having this problem at times. Therefore do not worry.
If you are strong about what your are going to speak then speak without focussing or making eye-contact with anyone in the audience. Looking at the ceiling or anywhere other than the audience will make you appear as a less-confident person. So, just look at the audience and keep shifting from left to right without focussing on anyone. Do reply after your presentation.

Answer 4

Most of us have faced fear at some point in our lives. Stage fright consumes everyone whether performing in front of an audience or making a presentation to colleagues at work. Most of us can easily recall those butterflies in the stomach and the sweaty palms before a school play. It is important to realize that even the most professional actors and dancers feel anxious before they perform

Try and determine why you feel stage fright. Most people are afraid of making a fool of themselves in front of others and are scared of being laughed at or mocked. Try not to worry about such details. Instead focus on your speech or performance. It is not unusual to perspire more than normal or breathe faster just before an important presentation.

Here are some tips on how to deal with your emotions

Reduce the pressure:

The majority of your fear is based on making a mistake and seeming foolish in front of peers. You can reduce this by practising your presentation several times. This may seem like an obvious answer but practising helps build confidence. Once you have mastered your act you will feel better about the whole deal.

Make a list of things that you are afraid can go wrong. You may be scared that your audio-visual presentation won't work, or you will forget your lines. Once you have listed everything, try and think of solutions for them. Test your presentation equipment beforehand and try practising your lines in front of a friend or loved one. This exercise can help reduce the fear that something will go wrong. In addition you will have created a check list.

Control the symptoms:

While the checklist can help there are a few precautions that will help avoid the uneasy feeling. Just before you go up to present, try taking a few deep breaths. This will help you relax your body and be more composed. Physical exercises can also help relieve the stiffness in your body. Try to make eye contact with your audience when presenting. It may sound intimidating but it will help you focus your thoughts on your act. If you can, keep a glass of water nearby so that you can constantly refresh yourself

Dealing with the fear:

Stage fright is not always a bad thing. Once you have controlled the anxiety it can leave you with a positive adrenaline rush. The feeling of achievement at the end of your presentation will be worth the efforts. A good act is always rewarded with applause and your presentation may be appreciated by your boss. Just avoid dwelling too much on your fear and take the plunge



It can be easy

Try to make sure that you are passionate about your presentation or act. If you do, it will come through in your performance. So just let go of your fears and you will be a total success.

All the best

Answer 5

# 1 Be prepared on the subject you are presenting
#2 Practice in front of a mirror so you are more comfortable with your own gestures.
#3 You can not be nervous and calm at the same time, its a fact. So, take a deep breath before each sentence.
#4 Don't lock your knees
#5 Be realistic about how important this actually is in your life at this time. If you were to mess up, the sun will still rise and the earth will continue to rotate.

Answer 6

It is said that complete preparation Helps fight stage fright. I have sang many times in front of people and when singing the key is often to make connections with your audience. To cut down on the nervousness of looking at someone and to keep myself focused. I look right over the top of their heads they can not tell that you are not looking directly at them. Memorize your speech if possible. Don't worry about being judged. Just act as if you are having a conversation with your audience. Good Luck!

Answer 7

Kate is right. Practice it alone or in front of family so many times you can do it without thinking. This will give you some confidence and insure that when you're done giving it you will feel good about yourself rather than beat yourself up for making mistakes.

This is the kind of chore that gets easier the more you do it. You might also consider joining a debating or discussion club to practice speaking before others.

Answer 8

When I had to give a solo presentation in front of an auditorium for the first time, I looked at the ceiling, then the lit exit sign in the end of the room. I NEVER looked at the people.

for smaller groups, THIS IS WHY TEACHER'S PETS EXIST. Pick one person, hopefully a special friend, and give the presentation to them. Again, don't look at the whole group, just one or two people.

(also, no greasy food the night before, and no drinks and hour before)

Answer 9

For the long run if you plan to do a lot of stage appearances or speak in public then i recommend you take some sort of Speech class which will prepare you to stand up in front of people and organize your thoughts in proper ways and speak confidently.

Answer 10

yeah i know exactly how you feel. I used to get soo completely nervous for giving presentations. I think the thing that you just have to remember is that people aren't nearly judging you as much as you think they are. Think about it. half the time somebody else is in front of the class i'm not paying attetnion to them at all. Don't worry about messing up and just do your best. I think it helps alot if you just pretend that you're actually telling just a single person. Just look at like one person and pretend you're just only talking to them.