How to not get embarrassed/nervous in front of class?

Question

Every time my teacher calls on me to read something to the class (me and some other 21 students) I get all red and freeze. Everything seems hard to read, I start to mumble ect., ect. I think this is because I'm nervous/embarrassed...How do I get over it?? I have a whole school year to go....HELP!

Answer 1

Ok Joe. I used to do train other people for a living so I now what your talking about. Here's what you do. When you address the class, do NOT look at any of the other people. Look OVER them. Pick points on the wall and scan those points so it looks like your talking to everyone while still moving your head. And when someone raises their hand to ask a question, look at their shoulder. It seems like your looking at them but your not really. Just make sure you pay attention to the question so you can address it. Keep looking at the shoulder or you'll give it away. Good Luck! ' )

Answer 2

While there isn't a fool-proof way nor a magic pill to immediately solve your problem, you can try the following, and hopefully you'll gradually improve.

Breathe in and out slowly but deeply. Deep breaths allow you to calm down almost immediately. It's also crucial for good enunciation and proper pronunciation of words.

Focus on your performance and speech to your class and NOT what they'll think of you. Don't forget: they too need to concentrate and read along what you're reading out loud.

Imagine you're simply talking to a mirror, or an empty room. Get the job done and smile before sitting down. Smiling keeps you connected to the audience and subconciously gives you confidence. Usually you would naturally perceieve a smiling speaker as a confident one, wouldn't you?

Last of all, after the class, ask your classmates and your teacher how did you fare-- was your reading too soft, too quick, too loud? REMEMBER their comments and improve the next time.

In no time, with constant practise, you'll be on your way to perfect speeches in front of the class everytime!

Hope it helps! Remember: Breathe!!!

I'm from DC Educational Group, specialising in English Language and public speaking. Do drop me an email if you need any help!

Answer 3

Remember that everyone else is in the same position that you are. Practice in front of a mirror, your parents, or friends. Read about public speaking or take a class. Find out about what is done in the Toastmaster's Club.

Speak up, don't let the end of sentences trail off but give them a boost. Speak to the back of the room. Focus on one person there and speak to this person.

This is very important for success in the rest of your life.

Answer 4

Getting up in front of people is just like anything else in life. Some are seemingly born with the ability and the rest of us have to practice at it.
You might try reading aloud at home alone or with a few close friends or family members just to get used to doing it in the first place. Half the problem could be that you are not comfortable reading aloud. Get comfortable with that and you may find the presence of others not much of a big deal anymore.

Answer 5

Here are some suggestions:

Try to read what you must present to those with whom you are most comfortable. This could be family or friends. Just be straight with them about your discomfort and the need you feel to overcome it. If you are straight-forward and honest with them it will at least set the mood of the situation.

Check in your area if there is a local chapter of "Toastmasters". This is a group that gets together for the purpose of oration, practicing public speaking, etc. A few celebrities have acknowledged this group with helping them overcome the deathly fear of speaking in front of others.

Or, just be honest with your classmates. There is nothing wrong with admitting you are nervous. For myself (and I am pretty nervous speaking in front of others) I admit openly that I am uncomfortable and ask for grace and empathy on behalf of those to whom I am presenting.

You may never "get over it" but you can at least have the absolute power in setting the mood, which in turn sets the tone for the conversation. Take care.

Answer 6

You really don't have to be embarrassed because there are probably only two people in the room listening, you and the teacher! Half the class is paying no attention at all, and are drawing in their diaries. The other half are being driven insane by the slow pace of those who read out loud and are reading ahead. So, no need to be nervous! No one is listening!

Answer 7

In Front Of The Class

Answer 8

Hmmmmm, I used to have the same problem. When I read, I would read really fast to just finish and get it over with. But then I didn't know what I was reading. So, there came a point in my life where I wanted to know what I was reading because the teacher would ask the reader after they read questions about what they just read. So I started to imagine no one was important but my focus on what I was reading. It was humbling to read slower but I understood the text and was able to answer questions better. Hope this helps. =>

Answer 9

Find a focus point when reading to others. By focusing on an object you are not focusing on yourself. Take a deep breath between each sentence, and think about speaking at a slower pace. By doing this you are less likely to stumble over your words. Practice in front of a mirror and ask you family to listen to read.

Answer 10

I know it sounds cliche, but take a long deep breath and let it out slowly. It will relax your whole body. Trying to imagine that the room is empty also helps. (the alternative, is imagining everyone is naked, thus making everyone equally emabarrased).
These things help with this fear of public speaking, but nothing helps more than simply getting over. The more often you do it, the easier it becomes.