Public speaking nerves?

Question

I have to do a presentation at college this week, and I know I'll mess it up. Every time I had to do presentations at school, when I got to the front of the class I just couldn't say anything. I was too scared to speak at all. I know that's what'll happen this time. But it's the first presentation I've had to do at college so the teacher doesn't know I can't do it. I don't know how to tell her about it. What should I do?

Answer 1

I don't wish to sound mean, but if you don't think you can do it, you're right. BUT if you think you can, you will.

Ok, positive affirmations aside, I give you this advice: TELL A STORY.

Here's what I mean. Let's say your topic is underwater basket weaving. Fine. tell them about that. But, don't just list the facts or the history or give them a how to crash course. Tell them about your Aunt Flossie who taught you all you ever learned about what was important while the two of you wove baskets underwater. I know that's a silly example, but stories work. Period!!!!

Also remember this, no one wants to hear a bad speech, therefore EVERYONE in there wants YOU to SUCCEED. They're rootin' for ya kid.

As far as why I know this goes...I love pubic speaking. In fact it was my minor in college and I know do it as a hobby. I tell you this not to brag, but to let you know that I know of where I speak [sorry for the pun]

Answer 2

I was exactly like you but I was forced into such a situation when I started teaching at a night school. My first words were 3 octaves higher than normal and my throat closed up and I could not get any words out at all. At that point I stopped trying to speak and pretended to cough to buy time.
I then picked the cards that I had prepared with headings on to keep me on track and to remind me of what I needed to say. I took 3 deep breathes and started. Hesitant at first but as I got going I settled down. The first lesson was a big success and after the 13 weeks the class of 25 all passed the exams with top credits. My life changed. The reason that that first lesson went so well was that I practised the lesson for a long time so that I was on top of the subject and knew what I was talking about. Lots of preparation.
Some years later I gave a talk to about 750 people in a theatre without slides or any other aid and received some real praise for it. That talk lasted 2 hours.
Best of luck to you and if I do not help you again then have a happy and blessed Easter.

Answer 3

Professional speakers will tell you that the easiest way to make a speech is to speak about something you're passionate about so it'll be more like a conversation. But, for a school project, that might not be as easy. Try making it into a story, or adding personal ideas and experience into it. Also the focusing on one person thing works too, but make sure you pick a different person every once in a while so it still looks as if you're speaking to the group. (After a while, speaking will just come naturally. Just practice in front of a wall or something, and you'll get it down).

Answer 4

Brace yourself. You have to pass public speaking ing college. There is no way around it. You will also have to present in from of the class in many different subjects.

Practice in the mirror. Then pick a friend in the class who you are very formal with and focus on them while you are doing your presentation. Act as if you are having a conversation with that person only but you are just talking loudly.

I hope this helps.

Dornessa
http://onlinedownlinebuilders.com

Answer 5

Everybody expirences stage fright. I imagine I am talking to naked people and that helps me feel equal. Another trick is to pickout select people around the room and just look at them, not everybody. Preaching to the choir is anoff-shoot of this.

Telling your teacher that your afraid won't solve anything, your being challenged. Try giving your talk in front of a mirror so you learn what you present to others is without shame. By the way, once you succeed, its easy from that presentation on, so meet the challenge with strength. Right now your weak and have no confidence; get beyond this feeling by practicing your talk until its flawless and don't assume that you can't learn, get out of that frame of mind.

Answer 6

I think you've convinced yourself into this state that you CAN'T do it from your previous experiences in public speaking. Don't give up, I tell you facing your fears is a really cliche way of putting it but it really does work! Why not to begin with discuss it with your teacher and see what advice she can give you, that might boost your confidence a bit and just relax! Just approach it with a positive mind and it'll make the world of a difference. It helps me a lot listening to music just before, good music that excites me and then just going for it! Well your speaking it helps not to look anyone directly in the face keep your eye level just above their heads , and it'll help to avoid that sudden stage fright shock you can get....... I really think you shouldn't give up just yet... Surprise yourself and give it a shot!!! good luck!

Answer 7

Everybody feels the way you do. Practice infront of the mirror first and then the family. If you have a pet especially a dog you should read out to him or may be a few soft toys lined up on the sofa. Here in the US where we are they have dog reading classes in the library for children to help build there reading skills and speaking skills.

My children can read well but we take them to read to the dogs to help their confidence building.

Answer 8

Nobody is any better than you! Why do think you will mess it up. Get prepared for it and then you wont! Speaking in large groups does take courage but why do you think you'll mess it up what reasons is there to support it. Is is because everyone is paying attention to you if it is then give them something interesting to listen to, overcome your inhabitions once you have done it you will have achieved what seems impossible for you just now. Anyone can do it you just have to believe in yourself. Now go on GET THEM!!