Nervousness in regards to Public Speaking, need advice.?

Question

First of all I havent given hardly any speeches, or had to talk at all really in any of my classes. I am naturally introverted. Anyways, this is my last semester and I graduate in May. I am not necessarilly frightened by public speaking more along the lines of nervous. I have one final group presentation and I am interested in any advice anyone has to offer. I am ready to be done with this group stuff and get out of their, tired of bad members who do nothing or members that are overly controlling and LOUD. Answering questions at the end also tends to be nerve racking. How shoudl I prepare for something like this to allow my mind to be at rest so that when its my turn I am cool, calm, and collected.....

Answer 1

Write out what you want say and read it but still read from it when you speak but concentrate on speaking into the mike that will take your mind of the nervous bit.~~

Answer 2

The best way to handle public speaking is to be prepared. If you truly know your material, there will be no internal hesitation when trying to communicate your ideas. My advice is to prepare, prepare, then prepare some more. Try practicing with a video camera. It is amazing what we see when we watch ourselves. If you do not have a video camera, practice in the mirror.

Also, break your presentation into parts, then practice the different parts individually, and out of sequence. This method really helps with knowing your material.

Finally, do not try to hide your public speaking experience from the audience. Do not come out and say "I'm really nervous", rather say something like "This is my first public speaking experience and I am excited to share it with you." When you compliment or share common ground with your audience, it provides a much more casual feeling, which is what good public speakers strive for.

Remember, every single one of your audience members has had a first time at public speaking and chances are, every one of them was just as nervous as you are. Generally, people will try to seek out the common ground that they can find in your speech--they aren't there to criticize you or tear you apart.

Two last things--If you have problems making eye contact, look slightly over peoples' heads. They won't ever know you are doing this. The other thing is --RELAX-- when it is over you will look back and see that it really isn't that big of a deal.

Answer 3

Group speaking is tough so be prepared and practice in front of people I know it seems silly but if you can get three or four friends to hear you out they will definately give you another angle to look at your presentation also remember that you talk to people everyday right sometimes throughout the presentation look at several people directly and "get a connection with the ones who seem more tentative. Practice makes perfect.

Answer 4

Practice with friends. If you can stand it have them act like the crowd you're going to face.

During your speech (if you can) have a friend sit in the middle of the audience so you can focus on them and you won't be tempted to keep your head down (have friends spread out around the room so it looks like you're scanning the crowd). If you can.

Pace yourself during you're speech. The audience tends to be more comfortable if you go at a comfortable pace. If they understand and can hear you clearly the less chance of questions.Especially if your speech answers the questions the audience may have. That's where the practice with your friends should come in handy.

And congratulations on your future graduation.

Answer 5

I found the best way to really control a presentation is to pretend that you are in a position of control, like a boss, and these people are your employees getting training. It is really helpful if the topic your presenting is something you deal with on a daily basis, but if not act like you know everything there is to know on the topic anyways.

Answer 6

Avoid stimulants (e.g. caeffinated drinks) before the presentation. If nervousness is severe & lasts long enough, you will naturally start breathing shallow and rapidly. When you feel a "nervous attack" coming on, remember to deep breathe-- all the way to you belly.

... and remember, everyone else is just like you!

Answer 7

Realize that 20 minutes after you are done these people won't matter at all in your life. Try to do something relaxing shortly before to take some of the edge off.

Answer 8

well firstly there is nothing to be nervous about, I have also been where you are, but as you need to do as I did...you need to let go,relax about what people think, you are an individual and its your right to do public speaking and do what makes you feel good about yourself. You will definitely need to be content in who you are and what you stand for. if you know what you are talking about the words will come freely and spontaneous. Speaking is fun, you just need to start. Good luck!!!!

Answer 9

Practice practice & still practice and rehearse many times... alone and with the group.

Anticipate possible questions that might be asked and have the answers ready...
There you are... maintain eye contact with a certain few if you are facing a lecture hall of many.

Answer 10

One should not give medical advice on the net like this, as there are other factors: blood pressure, history of asthma, etc. Get someone else to give the lecture or move out of state!