any tips for a college student making a speech for class?

Question

its an "introductory speech", basically i have to tell the class how something from my cultural background has shaped the person i am. the class if effective oral communication. how can i stop from being too nervous? also, when i speak to people i dont know i have a tendency to stutter, stammer around words, and i get even more embarrased. HELP!?

Answer 1

Since this is a speech on your cultural background, it should be very personal. It should come from your heart and you should know it better than anyone. Just keep that in mind. There is no right or wrong answer. So there's no reason to be embarrassed.

Think of the speech as just a way to share your opinion to the class, because that is what you're doing after all. Kind of like how you would talk to your friends on an important issue, but just a little more formal.

Now since you feel nervous talking to new people, just give the impression that you're addressing every one of them. Not with eye contact, but by just looking at the tops of everyone's head. Think about how shiny someone's hair is, or what an interesting part another guy has.

Answer 2

Terrified of public speaking? Most of us are. But the ability to give oral presentations can substantially help your ca reer or increase your sales. Following some simple steps can help you plan and execute your public speaking in a successful manner.

Determine your audience. Find out as much as possible about the people you will be speaking to at the business meeting. Higher level managers will respond differently than those on the shop floor, for example. Tailor the flavor of your talk, as well as the content, to a your particular audience. Try to discern what they hope to gain by your speech. Imagine how they can use the information in their jobs, and pinpoint special tips.

Talk to the person who asked you to speak to find out more about the audience. Find out what others will be speaking about in order to make sure you don't overlap information. Ask about past presentations given by other speakers to the group, and what was successful

Answer 3

Being prepared is probably the biggest help and lesson to learn in speech giving.
Know your information inside out - take the time to wrap your mind around it so that when you speak you have a comfort of command of what you are speaking about. If you don't know your material it is more likely to stammer,etc.
And... speak slowly - no matter what you do.

You'll do fine - and the more you do it the easier it is.

Answer 4

We were marked off for not making eye contact, saying UH more than twice and for doing anything w/ our hands except clasping them, front or back, (No wringing or fiddling allowed) or straight at sides. We could gesture but only if explaining movement, i.e. conducting or paddling. I guess the only advice I can give is to practice. Use family or friends as audience. Use a mirror. And if you are required to make eye contact, do Not focus on one person. If you keep your eyes moving, you can actually look at the tops of people heads or just their noses, whatever works for you. Good luck.

Answer 5

When I took speech in college I would try to look at the back wall.I take a few deep breath by during this it is a calming effect on your nerves.When you are nervous try not to make to much eye contact. It is nerve racking but try to relax and concentrate on your topic. Try in thinking of as you are talking with family or friends. Good luck and relax .