Speaking in public, any hints to overcome serious fear?

Question

Hi I am to speak at the University in February to a class of 200. This is about a life experience which I won't get in to here.
I am terrified of speaking in public, always have been. My whole body goes into a tense, shakey, uncomfortable existence that is so utterly noticeable. This talk is very important and I want to come across as strong and confident rather than nervous and unsure of myself.
Can anyone offer serious techniques that will help?

Thanks alot.

Answer 1

I have made many speeches and presentations and this is what I do and it really does works. Firstly I visualize myself making this speech, in every manor, how I'll stand, what I'll say, then; I pretend I'm my favorite actor that its really not me but them. By the time I get there I'm not afraid because it's not me making the speech it's Tom Hanks (and I'm female)!!!

Answer 2

I have been lecturing for over 30 years. I know what you feel and I suggest a very simple way to reduce your anxiety. Go to any pharmacy or drug store and ask for Rescue Remedy. These drops are made from Bach flowers, totally natural, no after effects, no yawning, nothing at all but a nice comfortable relaxed feeling. Once you take 4 drops about half an hour before your lecture, it will be effective. Start your lecture with something funny that will also ease the tension of your listeners.

Answer 3

I have that same fear,,, but I have been put on the spot and didn't have a chance to think about it or even figure out what I was going to say,,, I had to get up in front of a small tight group of supervisors and managers at my job,, and tell them what my dept was about and how we function,,, I was just in the meeting to hear their questions and concerns,, not to answer anything, but my mgr put me up there because I know my dept and know it well,,,, I was able to with confidence answer any and all questions that where directed to me,,, and I was good,,, if you know what your talking about,, then you should have no problem,,, make sure you read it or go over it in your head several times,,, and you will be ok,,, like Ross from friends said imagine everyone naked,,, and if that does not help,,, hope that the auditorium is dark enough that you cant see anyone,,, best of luck ,,, I don't like doing it either,, but you will be ok.

Answer 4

Dude do a gradiant. You need to start talking to people. find somebody walking in the store and start talkingn to them. At first you will be un confortable doing this, but talk to about 5 to 10 people you don't know. Just meet them anywhere. This fear of talkin g to people you don't know is the big problem. And talking to 200 people you don't know is a pretty big step. Next get a good listenning audance. That will listen to you. Give your speach to a bunch of trees and talk to all of them project your voice so that all the trees can hear you. Run through the speach tell you got it down pat. Now give your speach or just any speach to groups of people( 3 or more) Think of it like working out your speach giving muscle. You are communicattingn to 200 people mostly you just talk to one person so jumping to 200 is a big step but talking to 2 people is a little step. Slowly build up to 200 and you will do great.


hope this helps
-David-

Answer 5

Imagine every one in their underwear. Then find a person on your right a person on your left and a person in he middle. Use those 3 people to make eye contact with. Don't try make contact with any one else.Pretend you are giving your presentation to these 3 only. Arrive early and before you go on close your eyes and take 10 deep breaths and think relax. Be sure you have your notes numbered. Practice Practice Practice your presentation before hand so you are comfortable with it . If possible go to where you will be speaking and practice there( several times) to get used to it. If you do this you will feel prepared and that will help you not get as tense

Answer 6

My simple trick for public speaking is to simply be confident. Realize this - you know more about what you're speaking about that anybody in the audience does. Once you repeat this to yourself a few times, you'll begin to believe it. Once you believe it you'll be fine. So just remember - you're the "expert" on whatever you're speaking about!