I have a presentation tomorrow, I get too nervous. how do I get over my nervousness?

Question

I have two presentations to give tomorrow. One is on my favorite song for a final in my chorus class, which has about 50 people. The second is for my advanced lit class, and I have to explain how I analyzed a chapter. I get super nervous, and even right now I have butterflies. How can I gain the confidence to give my presentations? I hate sounding shakey and nervous.

Answer 1

All of the above have very good advice. I would just like to add breathing. Deep breaths. Even while you are waiting for the presentation to start.
If you have a good friend in the audience, start your eye contact with them. Do not stare at them only. Just start with them. If you start talking faster again, look at your friend and you will get calm again.
Talk with a good volume. It sounds like you know what you are talking about and you are confident.
And it has been pointed out, practice your presentation. I typically do 30 to 40 presentations in a year, but they are grouped in about 6 months. I will give my presentation roughly 50 times before my first real presentation. If you know your material, you will not have to read your notes, just use them as notes to jog your memory.
Also, a little nervousness will be good for your presentation. Your adrenaline is up. Obviously, too much nervousness will hurt your presentation. Also remember that you will not die if your presentation does not go well. Your grade may be affected and you may be embarrassed, but you will live to give another presentation later. You might as well relax and do a good job.

Answer 2

As a teacher, I have no problem standing up and talking to my students, but as a graduate student, I am always terrified when giving presentations! These are some of the things I do before my presentations: First, I practice the presentation at least twice alone, then, I might practice in front of a friend. When doing the actual presentation, sometimes it helps not to look at the people in the room--look just above their heads. And, guess what, it's okay to be nervous! (I think most people are!) Sometimes, it's a good idea to put in an activity that relates to the presentation because it usually stimulates discussion. Or open your presentation with a question to gain interest. I am sure you will be fine!

Answer 3

In chorus I cannot help but in a presentation for your lit class, it is easy be sure you know your material, and keep your focus on a friend that supports you that will keep your nervousnus down. When you do feel nervous make a joke move around, make contact verbally with someone in the room. Really believe that you know what you are talking about more than anyone else, why because you have studied it. Know your subject good and you will have no problems. Good luck

Answer 4

I have been there and understand you fully. I doubt you will get over it completely, but there is something you can do to help.

Practice your presentation in front of your family or a friend. Do it 2-3 times.

When you are nervous, you will tend to speak fast and lower your voice. This is a no-no. Be aware of it. I am more used to presentations now, but even so, I deliberately speak slowly, and it comes out at a normal pace. Speaking slower also helps you to speak louder. Also, pauses of a couple of seconds are good - they let people absorb what you have said.

Practicing it is a huge help. Listen to constructive criticism.

Look at the people you are talking to, but don't hold your gaze on any one person for too long or they will think you are trying to give them some special message. Look at various people - let your gaze roam. Do not look at some fixed object at the back of the room. It is tempting, I understand, but it is bad form.

If you hold on to only 2 ideas, they should be to speak loudly and a little slowly. It will come across well.

I know you are nervous, but you would be amazed how many other people are too. You are not alone. Also. smile from time to time; this is good. It should not be a solemn monotone.

I have heard people say to picture your audience naked, and that this helps. Well, I wouldn't follow that advice. I have tried it and it did nothing for me. Talk to them, not at them.

Good luck!!

Answer 5

One thing I have used frequently is to imagine that my toes are roots and that I am drawing strength from the ground. I wiggle them a little and picture that strength coming up and it turns my butterflies into energy. I balance on the balls of my feet then, and that helps as well. Then I find one or two people at the back of the room I know well and like and tell them my presentation...by choosing them those in front think you are looking at them as well; just make sure you choose people at different sides of the room and look from one to the other often. Hope that helps and good luck!

Answer 6

Try to relax. Most men and women are frightened of speaking in entrance of corporations. I count on that this can be a elegance requirement and everybody will likely be doing a presentation at a few factor. Because of this your classmates may not be too significant of you considering they think the equal manner you do. Now be as all set as you potentially can. Review your notes and train the presentation out loud. If you'll get a buddy or loved ones member to be your viewers it's going to aid. If no longer train in entrance of a replicate, your puppy, crammed animals, or perhaps a video digicam. The extra you train the presentation the extra cozy you're going to think with the fabric. Tonight and the following day drink plenty of water. This will aid you from getting dehydrated and shrink dry mouth. If you'll take a bottle of water with you to elegance simply in case. Leading as much as the presentation consciousness for your respiring. Deep breaths out and in of your nostril. This will aid to calm down you. When offering consciousness on one or 2 men and women that you're cozy with. Making eye touch is well for the duration of a speak however is elaborate for freshmen. Try scanning the room simply above the heads of the viewers. This offers the semblance of creating eye touch with out particularly watching at any one notably. Once you're performed you're going to think higher. The subsequent time you have got to gift it's going to get less complicated. Good success.

Answer 7

From my experience I would say is to practice, practice, and practice. The more prepared you are the better your words will come out. So if you are nervous and unprepared then you will fumble a lot. If you are prepared they you are less likely to fumble on your words. Just remember everyone is in the same boat as you! It is never an easy thing to do. If you start off strong you will most likely finish strong, but if you fumble off at the beginning you most likely will make mistakes throughout.

I have been told to picture everyone naked, but I don't think it really works. (you picture some weird stuff and it is distracting)!

Answer 8

Do not trail off or be timid.Startle your audience if necessary.Make all of them self conscious.If that doesn't work you can always smell your fingers.