How can I get over my fear of talking in front of a crowd?

Answer 1

Know what you're talking about and just do it. The more you do it, the more comfortable you will become with it. And keep in mind, there is no one out there any better than you.

Answer 2

Practice! The best way to get over a fear is to approach it, and the best way to get over a public speaking fear is to practice speaking in front of a groups. Practice speeches in front of you friends (that you trust), and small things like giving toast at dinners could help. There are certain organizations that are made to help people practice public speaking and writing speeches. (see below) because the more you do it, the better you'll be at it, and fear it less. Almost every college or universities have a public speaking or communication class so you can get in good practice of writing and giving speeches that you could take. You might also want to listen to your own lectures (record them) so you can listen to what you sound like,and how your speech comes off. Humans naturally use the word "Um" while thinking to fill the silence, so it might help you get over that as well (excessive use of the word makes you sound uneducated in that subject, and bore the audience)

Just remember you're not alone. A LOT of people have this fear, and have a hard time getting over it. You might always be nervous, but being confident in the speech your giving (and taking a few deep breaths) will help battle this. Practice, practice, practice (even at worse in front of a mirror) and soon you'll be able to give great speeches with ease! Good luck!

Answer 3

Here's how I did it: I was failing speech class, and I was offered one chance to raise my grade. I did a presentation that kept my hands busy, drawing diagrams, pictures, and demonstrating techniques. It worked! Keeping my hands busy really kept my focus off the fact I was speaking in front of a crowd. Since then, I have learned to give presentations in another language, sell my ideas, lead groups, and model business ideas. For almost all of it, I use visuals, often hand-drawn ones. Take it from someone who has been there- it can be done, and does get a little easier with time. I still feel the fear, but it doesn't rule me any more.

Answer 4

I always hated talking in front of people, but through practice I've gotten used to it. I get nervous really easily, so I practice until I know my presentations inside and out. The best thing you can do is be prepared. I usually get a little nervous at first, but when I start, eventually I realize I know what I'm doing and everything goes smoothly. I've also had classes that are entirely discussion-based, and I've gotten used to asking questions and just "talking out" in front of the whole class.

Really, there isn't a lot you can do but just dive in. Know all the material you can, practice practice practive until its almost boring to talk about, and then just do it. If you don't think about what everyone else is going to see, there isn't that much to worry about.

Plus, you can always imagine everyone in their underwear! Its not a big deal at all, don't worry!

Answer 5

Find ways to increase your confidence. Skydive, run a marathon, rock climb, anger big dogs and out run them. Things like that. When you have a sense of accomplishment of achieving things that others are far to scared to do, speaking in front of a crowd is something you have the mental courage to do as you have overcome scarier things. I was terrified to speak in front of a crowd until my little garage rock band got a chance to perform in front of people.

Answer 6

Look out into the crowd, and take a deep breath. Then, close your eyes, picture EVERYONE naked, and have a good laugh. Finally, instead of looking at the crowd's faces, look at the top of their heads while u give your speech or presentation. Trust me, this works. I have the same problem.

Answer 7

Take it one step at a time. For example, practice what you would say in front of a mirror. Move on to practicing speaking in front of a close friend or family member. Next, practice speaking in another "safe" setting, such as in front of a group of friends.
Also, try imagining the people you are speaking to in a humorous sort of way, like imagining that they are all sitting in their underwear while listening to you.
Finally at the big event, don't look people directly in their eyes. Look over their heads at a wall behind them as you speak. That is less intimidating than looking into their eyes.

Answer 8

Practice

Answer 9

I think the best course of action is to ask yourself "Why am I afraid?" What is it about it that specifically makes you fearful? Is it that you think you might fail? Or is it another fear? After thinking about it, after finding the correct reason, try to tell yourself that it's not going to happen.

If you want a simpler solution, just remember that few people are ever listening. People tend to have short attention spans.

Answer 10

Overcome your fear with fear itself... If you are afriad of talking in front of crowds, the best way to overcome it is to talk in front of crowds.... really... the more you do it, the less you will fear it!!!!

Answer 11

by talking in front of crowds. Its called Exposure therapy. If your afraid of somnthing you have to do it over and over until trhe fear is gone.