How can i improve my public speaking?

Question

Well i have moved onto year 11 now where i have to give alot of oral presentations for subjects such as english...only problem is i become extremly nervous even when the teacher mentions the word "oral presentations"
Its so bad that sometimes i even start to feel sick.
I am fine when speaking with friends but infront of groups like a class i just cant do it.
Are there anyways to help me improve in my confidence and my public speaking skills?

Answer 1

Public speaking is simple, and really nothing to worry about .When it's mentioned in classes and schools - it's a way of getting worried easily because you know you're getting assessed on it. Public speaking is not all that bad - it's about going up there, and leaving an impression on the audience with your words. When you talk, try not to be self - conscious, but rather concentrate on the people you are speaking to. If it makes you nervous to look at the faces directly, then just glance at them long enough it won't look like it's rushed and it won't make you uncomfortable. A better idea, is to have a few faces around the room to look at. If you have friends in this class, you can ask them to sit in certain places so you can glance around at your audience - making yourself look like you're confident.

Another thing, is to stand up straight, and not pace around TOO much or move too much. There's nothing more odd than watching a speaker who looks like he's busting to go to the toilet or something or performing some sort of dance. Trust me, it's obvious when people get nervous up there. Stand in one spot (move around a little if you must), and don't fold you arms in front of you or keep your hands in your pocket. That’s a defensive posture. A good idea, is to always keep your hands behind your back or maybe on your sides (if you're going to talk, using cue cards). I always use gestures because it seems to distract the audience a bit, and make me act more natural.

When you're doing a speech, always remember that you're trying to persuade the audience into what you're talking about. Remember, you want THEM to believe YOU. So, talk about something interesting that'll make them care or listen. Or better yet, write your speech in such a way, it'll MAKE them care! Use words like 'YOU', which are strong words - making it appear you are talking to EACH and EVERY person in the audience. Better yet, combine these words with powerful (yet simple) gestures like pointing at people. If you're not going to use gestures, it's always important to keep your voice loud enough for people to hear. You want people to hear you, because what you're going to say to them is going to be 'important'.

And finally, tell yourself - "The sooner I get this over and done with, the better". Don't rush yourself into it (breath calmly and slowly) , just remember you're up there to make a good impression about what you're talking about. Stay relaxed, and you'll be fine! =) Good luck!

Answer 2

It's always nerve-racking to speak publically in high school, especially since you probably don't have a lot of experience.

Remember that if you're teacher is making everyone do a presentation/speech, most of those people are going to be nervous and worried about their own speeches rather than focusing only on you.

Read through your speech several times before you present so that you are comfortable with what you are going to say. Know that no matter what, you're gonna do a great job. Even if you don't have confidence, fake it till you make it.

There may even be a speech club at your school. Maybe it would help if you joined and got more practice.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I have heard meditation before you speak will help calm your nerves...but it always made mine worse...instead of clearing my mind and relaxing....it made me think more about what I had to do....

My suggestion and it helped me...was to concentrate on others things I had to do that day...and to try not to think about the speech until right before presenting it....also, scan the crowd for a friendly non-threatening face and concentrate on making your speech to this person...than slowly look to another...on the opposite side of the room....and gradually work around the room...and try not to notice them as one large group ..but as a few here and there............

also keep in mind , all those people listening to you are just like you...so don't make yourself sick with worry....people are people....no perfection sets in the crowd....

the one thing I know from experience ..the more you do this..the easier it does get......a few speeches under your belt...and you won't even notice whether you are speaking to a couple of people or hundreds.......; )

Answer 4

whenever you do public speaking, remember the 3 Cs
1) Confidence
2) Contents
3) Connection

Don't be afraid. Stop thinking of your fear or that you may not make it. Tell yourself that you can do it then stand up straight, breathe in and out slowly. Just remember that all that you are doing is to convey useful and valuable knowledge across to all who will be listening to you.

Make sure that all your contents (infomation of the topic) are well prepared and planned. Be prepared for questions that will be asked too.

Make eye contacts. Make your speech interesting that your audience will stay attentive. be humourous at times if it permits. bring in adequate amt of laughters is alright. be firm and assertive.

Good Luck

Answer 5

You can join the local Toastmasters group. Look them up at www.toastmasters.com and find a group in your area. It is comprised of people who want to improve on their public speaking skills. Check it out!

Answer 6

All of these answers are good, but it's always easier said than done. The best things I can say is to memorize it before you have to read in front of others. When you read in front of others, look at a friend, and if you can, pretend that you are reading to your friend/s.