I have to take a speech class in college and Im terrified. Any advice on how to overcome the fear?

Question

Do you think the fear will ever go away?

Answer 1

This is normal...You will be given a series of different speeches that you have to give as far as format...Stick to subjects that you are familiar with and confident in...You will do well and envision yourself speaking to friends and family while giving the speech...You will do well and I wish you the best!

Answer 2

Make sure you know what you're talking about and then you don't ned to worry too much about the content of your speech - become the expert. A good site for tips about delivering a speech and overcoming fear about public speaking is below. I've picked out a page I think is important but I suggest you look at the sitemap as well and browse a few pages.

Answer 3

An audience will smell fear like a pack of wild dogs. They will surely devour your self esteem before the first bead of sweat falls off the tip of your nose and hits the podium. But your not going to do this..right?

If you hail from an area that has a noticeable regional accent, overcoming that will help greatly. If you can practice your speech in place like an auditorium or church hall, where you can get used to how your voice sounds in a big place. How much you need to project in tone and volume. Practice, you'll do fine.

Answer 4

What you are feeling is normal. However, I have found if I know my topic and know it well the fear goes away. Yes I'm sure your fear will go away after you give a speech or two. Remember everyone in your class is there to learn how to speak well too so you all are in the same boat so to speak.

Answer 5

One suggestion is to pick a topic you know well and are comfortable talking about. Do your research and practice giving your speech in front of a mirror.

I think one of the reasons people are afraid is because they think the audience won't like them. This is why it's a good idea to pick a topic about something you like or know well. You'll be more comfortable talking about that topic and can relax a tad. The audience will enjoy your sincerity.

You never know how you might impress one of the other students and make him/her feel more comfortable about his/her speech.

Answer 6

maybe it'll get a bit easier but i think some part..a big part is always gona be there..unless u think otherwise! It's best just to get it over with. It's a lot better if u take the class with some friends. Tho i feel the same way about my sucky classes..so MUCH work!:[[

Good luck.

Answer 7

Everyone gets butterflies when having to address a bunch of strangers. You never know how they will react. However, in the speach class everyone is in the same boat. Practice your speach, dress well (gives you confidence), take a deep breath and go for it.

Answer 8

Just imagine that you are lord and master and that the rest of the audience are petty disciples. If you make a mistake, make it look deliberate or say "The nonsense I just stated just proves to show _____" or something like that.

That always works for me. Good luck.

Answer 9

haha...i just took speach last semester...if your teacher is cool then it will be cake...a good teacher will make it easy to break the ice..i had a class with 30+ students and we all made it through fine...just dont worry about what people think..if you have that mindset you should do very well

Answer 10

I went through the same thing when I had to give oral presentations and I am happy to say I survived to tell you this. I always got nervous but still went through with it- it was kind of exciting.