How do you beat nervousness?

Question

I have to recite a speech at a conference. I'm the world's quietest person, I just don't like public speaking. Everytime I do it, I:
1) Forget my lines
2) Stutter
3) Become SO nervous
4) Can't talk

How do I beat this? (And don't say alcohol. Trust me, I've done that before too, and it wasn't pretty)

Answer 1

Change your view of what you are doing. Rather than thinking that you are ' reciting a speech ', think of it that you are sharing information towards others. Share information, don't just spew words out. You are one individual up there talking with many others, they are simply listening to what you have to say. Share information with them...don't 'speech' at them. Connect with others in the room . . . slowly, respectfully scan the room with your eyes looking at the individuals you are talking to . . . look to the various parts of the room ~ the back, the sides, the middle etc. . . . talk to the individuals who happen to be grouped in a room. "Center / ground " yourself emotionally before you begin, if you're nervous . . . accept that. Also, practice the 'speech' in your own room while visualizing the pillows, chairs, pictures, lamps, etc. being people. Even ' set up ' the room in conference / speech setting and practice. Present the 'speech', don't just 'speak' the 'speech', slow your pace and B R E A T H.

Answer 2

First of all, calm down. You can't make a speech when your freaking out.

To help from freezing up in front of everyone,you should make an outline of what you are going to say and have it by your side throughout the speech, that way if you become lost, the outline will put you back on track.

Also,you shouldn't stand in one place, walk around (not to the point where it is a distraction) but this helps so that you don't feel like the spotlight is directly over you. Don't worry, you know what you're talking about, and explain it like you would explain something to a friend. Make it interesting, nobody is going to remember it (or be awake) if you don't draw them in and have them in suspention.

Slide shows & pictures help, and they draw attention away from you when there is something for an audience to look at. You can put pictures in the slide show, to make it more interesting.
Be confident. Dress nice on the presentation day. Don't worry.

I have problems with stuttering as well, try to speak slowely and clearly, don't rush through things and you will be fine.

I wish you the best of luck!

Answer 3

A lot of people become nervous because they don't know what to say. Well, you are already ahead of the game in that you have something to say ie. you have a speech. Once you know what you have to say then the next step is simply saying it.

1) Practice your lines until you don't forget them. Do this during the course of the day. While taking a shower, driving your car, etc.

2 - 4) When you have learned your lines, your confidence will shoot to the moon. You won't be nervous and therefore you won't stutter. Talking to your audience will come easier if you focus your eyes about 1 foot above the head of the person in the last row. That way it will appear you are looking at your audience when in fact you will be looking at a blank wall while reciting your speech!

Good Luck!

Answer 4

The fact that you are going to make a speech at a conference is pretty brave. I have the same problem and all I can tell you is that if you continue to recite public speaking over and over, your nervousness will lessen or disappear. I know, "easier said than done". I too, had to drink alcohol at one point-it didn't help, it only made matters worse. Right now, I suggest that you practice your speech in front of the mirror over and over again until you memorize it. You can also practice in front of friends.When you know your stuff, there's less room for errors. Bring your notes in case you forget your lines. You know what? I think you'll do just fine. Good luck!

Answer 5

KNOW the subject that you're speaking on. If you're confident about what you are saying, you won't have much to worry about. If you find yourself still worrying, then write out your feelings...especially your FEARS. What or who are you afraid of? Do you think the speech has to be perfect? So what if it's not? We are ALL human and make mistakes! Do you not allow yourself to make mistakes? If you believe in God, ask Him to direct your speaking and give you a calmness inside. Sometimes, when we try to do things ourselves, we screw them up good. If you turn the speech over to God and say what He wants you to say, there's no way "you" can screw it up. If you really hate giving speeches, then why do it? Don't you have a choice???

Answer 6

Every actor is nervous , even your big stars . To try here is what I was told . To try to over come being nervous is to look over and beyond the heads of the casting directors .,and producers . I was told not to act like the character but to think what that character would do . That is suppose to help I have only used this in the last audition I went on . It seems to help , instead of visualizing that everyone is in there under ware .
DP

Answer 7

I've got the DVD of Uta Hagen's acting class, and she has a really good suggestion;
Pick objects to look at that aren't people, like lights on the back walls, exit signs, doors, etc.
Everyone will think you're looking at the audience, because they can't see you that well, and you can sort of "pretend" there's not people in the room.

Answer 8

There is nothing to fear but fear itself.

I have heard the more you talk in front of people the easier it gets.

Try telling yourself that everybody watching has crapped in their pants and they don't have the sense to go change.

Answer 9

I split the audience into quadrants. I pick one specific object in each quad to focus one then rove from quad to quad.

Answer 10

Quit worrying about it.