I get so nervous that I lose track of my speech. This is a life-long problem for me. Looking for any advice. Thanks!
2006-12-12 02:16:05 · 9 answers · asked by Lilly 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I relate to your anxiety.
The first thing to do is have a set of points you need to cover in your speech. If you can, avoid having your speech entirely written down on cards or a sheet of paper because it will wind up sounding very artificial when you read it. Instead, have a general outline of what you need to say, and know a lot about the topic you're planning to cover. Study. Discuss the topic with friends casually. Practice talking about it as much as you can, trying to build up your comfort with the subject.
Next comes the hard part, actually giving the speech to a group. You may have heard of self-hypnosis. Hypnosis is often misunderstood -- it isn't magic, nor is it the solution to every problem. Having said that, it can be effective in treating phobias and anxiety. Relax ... really relax. (You may listen to music, but don't listen to music with lyrics or anything that could distract you). Focus on a spot on the wall, or on the palm of you hand. Breathe. Now give yourself a suggestion. "I don't really have a problem speaking to groups" or "I'm really comfortable talking about [topic]" and etc. Reinforce the suggestion with repetition. Your goal is believe the suggestion as much as you're able.
People are doing this to themselves all the time, though they're usually making negative suggestions: "I'm no good" and "I'm afraid" and "I can't" and so on. Take a moment and reflect on what you're saying to yourself. Work to change those negatives into positives. You're a worthwhile person. You have interesting things to say. You know your topic. Your best effort *is* good enough. You CAN do it.
2006-12-12 03:19:44 · answer #1 · answered by matrolph 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't have anxiety public speaking or directing large groups. I do it when I photograph weddings. I tell myself "your hear to do a job, stay on task, focus focus focus, keep your mind on the timeline, & every shot & angle" Reasons to not be nervous public speaking generally you won't see the people again. So who cares. Focus on the task. Another reason is because I usually lighten the mood by making a few jokes about formality blah blah "okay groomsmen if you don't wanna be signaled out in front everyone then pose & smile as directed, these aren't my pictures they are you friend/family, and I am being paid good money to boss you around so don't think I won't take full advantage" that usually makes everyone laugh & keeps em in line. Even a speech public can be used light hearted while getting to objective. I think it is much much more overwhelming in a small one on one group doing small talk. I get anxiety from that big time!
2016-03-13 06:07:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I was in college, I took a sociology class that required me to make numerous presentations. What I did to psyche myself up beforehand was to talk to everyone about how nervous I was. I just told them how I felt, and you know what they did? They make me feel a LOT better about myself, because they admitted to feeling the exact same way. So, when I would begin my presentation, I'd stand up, get my materials in order (note cards help!), and I'd look over the whole group. Then, I'd start talking and kinda let my eyes focus on the back wall. No one can tell where EXACTLY you are looking when you are gazing around the walls of the room. It worked, and I got better and better. You are looking at this from the standpoint that you might fail. Just decide that failure isn't an option. What's the worst thing that can happen? You'll have to start over? Big deal!! You'll do fine, and each time will be easier and easier. Good Luck!!
2006-12-12 02:28:22 · answer #3 · answered by clever nickname 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Public speaking is a very common phobia. There are some tricks to public speaking one would be use you speech as a guideline not a word for word script, this will allow you to present your information in a relaxed manner. You should also place someone that you trust or feel comfortable in the audience that way you do not feel your addressing strangers. You can also use your eyes to scan the audience just at the tops of their heads, that way the audience perceives that you are addressing them but in actuality your addressing the tops of their scalps. The most productive way to present your material is by focusing on the topic and ensuring it is one that interests you otherwise you will loose your audience because if your not interested then why should the audience be. Remember know one knows your content so if you make a mistake keep on going because no one will ever know. I hope that helps
2006-12-12 02:30:46 · answer #4 · answered by psychologist is in 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Practice.
Try doing it first with people you are comfortable around.
Then go bigger.
Invite friends over and be like:
"While your here, wanna tell me if this speech here is good?"
Practice in front of a mirror.
Just do it.
Force yourself.
You'll never get over it unless you face it.
As the old saying goes,
face your fears to overcome them.
2006-12-12 02:39:27 · answer #5 · answered by Markie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is an old one but it is tried and true;picture everyone in the audience naked!!!Sure takes your mind of your anxiety-especially if there's a few hotties out there,believe me public speaking will be the least of you worries,especially if you are a guy-girls are more subtle in these situations...teeheheehe...peace.Riz>...
2006-12-12 02:26:20 · answer #6 · answered by Shalimaar 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I used to have that same problem when I first became a leader and kinda start stutering. Make sure that you are confident about what you are talking about, and everytime you start feeling nervous, raise your voice. It will keep the attention of your audience, and it will display the image that you know what you are talking about...let me know how it works...
2006-12-12 02:19:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
SPEAK IN FRONT OF A MIRROR. DO THIS ALOT. ALSO RECORD YOURSELF AND SEE WHAT YOUR ERRORS ARE. YOU CAN ALSO PRACTICE IN FRONT OF YOUR FAMILY.
THESE ALL HELP YOU TO BECOME A BETTER PUBLIC SPEAKER.
ALSO PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. UNTIL YOU DO IT REGUALRY THERE WILL STILL BE TIMES WHEN YOU FEEL NERVOUS
2006-12-12 02:19:15 · answer #8 · answered by Steven Colbert 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Write it down on note cards first, repeat it as many times as you need. Use different colored pens, highlighters, paper, overlays. If your nervous about the people, pretend you own them!
2006-12-12 02:20:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Join Toastmasters. They can help you with lots of tips and strategies.
2006-12-12 02:18:13 · answer #10 · answered by Mindy K 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋