How do you get over getting nervous?

Question

I had a presentation today and I was so nervous. My heart was beating fast, hands were shaking, and I felt like I might pass out. Close to the end, I felt better, though. Any tips for how I can get over my fear of public speaking? Thanks!

Answer 1

The paper clip trick. When you are presenting twiddle a paper clip between you fingers (inconspicuously). This will stop your hands from shaking - also get Bach Flower Rescue remedy, great for calming

Answer 2

I think the best way to get over this is to be extremely prepared. I was that nervous at one time too. I used to literally prepare for weeks (if given that much notice of course) and then stay up all night the night before, making sure everything was perfectly in order, I knew absolutely everything about the topic, etc. I guess I must have wowed a few people in those days with my presentations too, because I soon became known for being an incredible and persuasive speaker. Now I am always asked to speak (oh greeeeaaaat you're saying to yourself, right? :) and I actually totally enjoy it and look forward to it. So my advice is be ultra prepared, and it should really help.

Answer 3

What you are talking about is formally called communication apprehension, or informally as stage fright. Research shows people feel more afraid of public speaking than death. As a communication professor I have seen it in hundreds of students through the years. Here are some basic reasons for it:

Lack of experience
Lack of preparation
Being in front of peers and fearing judgements
Low selt esteem/self concept
Lack of practice
Uncomfortable with the material
Pressure about grades
Fear of embarrasment

Tips to overcome:

Increase experience...Try toastmaster's and speak as much as possible

Consider how you view yourself..If you have a low self esteem try to pump yourself up and think positive

Practice. Practice. Practice. Ten times minimum for speeches.

Prepare for the speech with these concerns in mind: the topic, the content, the delivery, and the audience

Structure speeches well with solid introduction, body, and conclusions

Rememer that everyone gets anxiety from speaking. The difference in passing out or feeling like it and not is how you are categorizing that stimuli... Categorize as part of the process and not part of you completely falling apart.

The fear that you have reminds you you are alive and have a pulse...Use the adrenalin to project yourself forward instead of holding yourself back.

Answer 4

I found for me the best thing to go against nervousness was to prepare really really well until the day before, then take the evening off and do something what you like and try and relax in the morning. Don't rush anything and have all your clothes prepared. You will find little rituals like that keep you focused on the not so important things and keep your mind from getting too worked up over the presentations. And yes, practise makes perfect.

Answer 5

I had the same problem when I was totally inexperienced in publuc speaking. My personal experience is to practice to know well what you talk about to be more confident. Practice in front of the mirror to know the style that you like. Talk to yourself that all will be fine. If needed, practice with a person who always appreciate you (ideally that person know well about the topic of your presentation). Practice also smiling although it's not easy when you are worried. A well resting time before your presentation will help too. Good luck!

Answer 6

The trick is to breath effectively. If you are taking sluggish & rather deep breaths in, preserve for a couple of seconds and breath out, it relaxes all your muscle mass and your brain. If you cognizance your brain and concentrate for your breath because it enters and leaves your frame, it is extremely soothing and also you are not able to feel of some thing else. The manner I mentioned is Yoga, you'll be able to get a inexperienced persons cd. Yoga teaches you ways to manage now and then like this. The different detail is point of view, matters do oftentimes move improper, thats existence, its certainly not the tip of the arena. If anything is going badly improper for one in every of your loved ones or peers I guess you simply suppose for them and wish to cause them to suppose greater, good that's how they're going to suppose towards you will have to the equal factor occur.

Answer 7

You are your biggest critic, you need to relax and keep in mind that this will pass. I have poor confidence when it comes to speaking publically or being in crowds etc. But, eventually it does pass...Try to block everyone out and focus on your discussion. You really just need to remember to breath, and realize that everyone else goes through this as well~

Answer 8

The answer is easy to say, but it is not easy to do. The answer is ... relax. You cannot be nervous and relaxed at the same time. So ... relax.

As you spoke, you relaxed and at the end you felt better. Now, learn to relax. Meditate, let go, enjoy life and conquer your fear. Relax.
Dr. J

Answer 9

I would just try to collect my thoughts and stay as calm as possible. When you are nervous you always seem to talk really fast and it shows that you are nervous, which looks really bad when you are speaking publicly. I would just try to do some breathing exercises or something.

Answer 10

i was like that too when I was younger... added too was the fact I couldn not pronouce mulit sylabols words.. still can't to this day I struggle.

Someone once told me to close my eyes before standing and invision the room filled with TOLIETS.

Then picture everyone there, doing what is natural...

Suddenly I wasn't vervous to speak anymore.

It worked for me, hope it helps you. Glad to ppass it along.

:) Good luck!