how to overcome nervousness when public speaking??

Question

We have a debate tommorow and that means I will be making my speech in front of the whole class. The thing is, for some reason I find it SO hard to speak in front of everyone without my voice going all weird and shaky and feeling nervous. I have to do it tommorow!

What can I do to overcome this? It's quite embarrassing. I don't know what happened, back in elementary school I got awards for public speaking..

Answer 1

Deep breathing right before and trying not to focus on the number of people in the audience. Maybe look out and pick someone, who is looking at you and not frowning or making faces. Preferably a friend or someone smiling. This should be something that will help.

Answer 2

Pick three faces in the audience- one to the right-center, one near the center, and one to the left-center- and rotate among them. If you can, have friends sit in those locations. Remember that you aren't trying to entertain people, you are trying to educate them. Forget about amusing the audience, and be passionate about your argument, even if it's something lame like the best color socks to wear at gym class! And most of all, try to enjoy yourself. Each of us secretly loves to be the center of attention, and you have a chance to be IT. Live it up!
I used to be very nervous speaking in public as a kid, and got over it as a teenager, when I realized that nobody in English class really gave a damn what I was saying anyway. As I got into college that changed, and I learned to place all my concentration on BELIEVING what I was saying (not on the audience reaction), and getting excited about my message. And as an adult, I have given lay-sermons at church and gotten raves for them because of my passion.
So, just remember to try to put energy, passion, and conviction into your speeches, regardless of the topic, and push that forward into the audience. Imagine the guy on the corner with that "End-of-the World" sign. He doesn't care what anyone thinks about him, just so's they see his sign. If you believe in what you're saying, you won't care what the audience thinks as long as they hear you say it.

Answer 3

Remember to breath. Focus your eyes to a point just above everyone's head so it looks as though you are giving eye contact, but really aren't. Focus on what you are doing instead of what everyone else is doing.

And it helps to practice your speech a few times prior so it is familiar to you.

Answer 4

i would have to say i don't think pills or medication are the right answer. society is over all over medicated. i will tell you a few tricks i use when i have to speak publicly. remember that most of those people out there would be as nervous as you if they were up there. and honesty is the best policy...if you make a mistake, own up to it and laugh at yourself. people know that if you can laugh at yourself, your alright. if its your first time in front of a particular group of people, tell them you are nervous. and last of all i always look at my audience and think to myself...wow every one of those people out there use the bathroom the same way i do

Answer 5

ive had that problem too but i look at the audience like they are naked so they would be nervous instead of me. it has always worked for me and many other people.

Answer 6

Be Prepared. If you know your topic inside and out you should have no problems. If you crammed then it could be bad.

Answer 7

talk slow, when you look up during your speech, pretend that it's someone you know looking back at you. that will help you to feel comfotable. and you will be able to relax.

Answer 8

pretend they are all in their underware. It works!