What are some of the best ways to get ready for a class speech?

Question

I have had trouble finding a good way for preparing for some of my class speeches and get very nervous in front of the class. I think I could do better with some good advice and tips to help me be more prepared.

Answer 1

The most important thing in any speech is to be extremely familiar with your material. Know it inside and out. This does not necessarily mean memorizing. If anything, memorizing will make you even more nervous as you will be fanatically searching your brain for the exact words.

So therefore, be familiar with the IDEAS of your speech. Know exactly what your main points are and what you're using to support them. If allowed, have cue cards that have the main ideas and supporting ideas written on them. Do not write full sentences on the cue cards as this will lead to reading and in turn, detract from your presentation.

Practice is also key. Practice in front of a full mirror. Try and find out what nervous practices you have. For example, do you wave your hands around? If so, practice again with the conscious effort not to wave your hands around. When it comes to do your speech, your brain will subconsciously make sure your gestures do not get out of hand.

Also, get someone to listen your presentation. If you use things like "um", "ah", or repeat any other expression get them to interrupt you each time you do. This may sound weird but it works wonders. When you realize just how often you're being interrupted, you're almost guaranteed to never use the word "um."

Next, when you're in your classroom, relax. If you're not the first one presenting, do not focus on your presentation. Try to listen to the other presentation as opposed to thinking about your own. Remember, you've already done your work at home. You don't need to think about it at school as well.

During your presentation, first take a deep breath, smile and then begin. Don't worry. And when you're looking up at the audience, try to look at a few of your classmates in the eye. If you feel you're not brave enough to do this, then at least look above their heads so it will seem like you're making eye contact.

Most of all..think about what you are like when others are presenting? Are you watching their every move searching for mistakes? Are you waiting on the edge of your seat for a chance to point and laugh? Of course not. So, when you're presenting, no one is doing that for you. Not the teacher and definitely not the classmates. That should reassure you to relax!

Have fun on your presentation! If you don't, no one else will.

Answer 2

Can you condense your speech on one notecard (in outline form with the introl to each topic paragraph marked in red or highlighted), or on 5 notecards (intro, 3 supporting points, conclusion)?

The main thing is to PRACTICE it using whatever pages or notes you will use for your in class presentation. If there is a time limit, then record yourself on tape and/or time it, and practice it until you can pace it comfortably and naturally, and get it exactly right at least 2-3 times in a row.

If each paragraph or new point you are presenting is "punctuated" with a clear introduction, then you won't lose your place where you are in your presentation, and the audience can also follow the sequence better. Example: "The first reason is..."
"The second purpose of ___ is" "The third example is ___"
What I learned from my high school drama/speech teacher was to enunciate and project in volume as if you are talking to the person in the very back of the room, and as if they are reading your lips and facial expressions. You can focus on one person at a time, in the back, middle and sides. Smile if it helps.

The main thing is to practice until it comes so naturally, you are almost bored with it.

Answer 3

Hello Tiger, here are the links that will provide you with the information you're after.

This is a very good site with very easy to follow step by step instructions.

SpeechTips.com Your free guide to speech writing and public speaking for eulogies, graduations, best man, father of the bride and any other public speaking engagement.

http://www.speechtips.com/index.html

http://www.speechtips.com/preparation.html

FREE Articles on Public Speaking

This site has so many tips that I was unable to pick any, you will need to see for yourself and see which, if any are useful to you.

http://www.public-speaking.org/public-speaking-articles.htm

http://www.afraid-of-speaking-a-speech.com/index.html

This site seems OK but once again see what is useful.

http://members.shaw.ca/toasted/services.htm

I liked this one.

The fear of speaking to a group of people is one of the most common forms of social phobia. Here are several suggestions for working with this fear.

http://www.rpeurifoy.com/anxiety/pubspeak.htm

Public speaking do's and don't's

http://www.lifehacker.com/software/feature/public-speaking-dos-and-donts-161531.php

Good luck.

Kevin, Liverpool, UK.

Answer 4

first think proprely,note down the points and then prepare a speech.do good practice before the mirror and observe the expressions.record your speech and listen carefully.let me know the result.bye best of luck

Answer 5

Momorize or have your speach on some little note cards and listen to some calming music before you go to school. And or don't look at the class look past them or at something really close to them so it looks like you looking at them.

Answer 6

practice saying your speech in front of different people or have some of it memorize. just relax.