How can I get over being nervouse when make a speech before many people?

Question

I am always very nervouse when I do something before many people, just like making a speech or demonstrating something.
How can I get rid of it?

Answer 1

The best approach is through systematic desensitization. That is doing the thing you're nervous about and eventually you won't be nervous anymore. Whoops! That's hard for you. So what you do is, break the task into small pieces, and rate the pieces from least anxiety-provoking to most anxiety-provoking. Start with the easiest task and do it. You'll see that nothing happened to you. Only, when you grow comfortable (are desensitized) with the easier task, do you attempt the next task on your list. Sometimes, learning breathing techniques or imaging techniques can help you to approach the difficult tasks and to NOT AVOID them. Sometimes, at the beginning,a little bit of medication can help - but this is really not the best way to go about it. If you find that you can't do it alone, you may want to get help from a psychologist or other trained professional who will be able to identify the main aspect of your nervousness and will know how to empower you most quickly and will help you "climb the ladder" of winning over you fears.
There are several books that might be helpful that detail how you can help desensitize yourself, "Stop Obsessing! How to Overcome Your Obsessions and Compulsions" by Edna Foa and Reid Wilson, "Don't Panic: Taking Control of Anxiety Attacks" by Reid Wilson and "The Worry Cure" by Robert Leahy. These books are all similar. Leahy's book may be the best.

Good luck in finding your inner strength, so you can accomplish what you desire!!!!

Answer 2

I used to have that problem. I had a big problem enunciating my words clearly due to nervousness. I don't know of a simple technique to remedy this, however once you develop more confidence it may go away. You need an inner calmness. If you believe that the audience is on your side and respect what you have to say, then you won't worry so much. Just focus on the message or the information you are conveying and be likable.

Answer 3

I had to get used to public speaking and was nervous even though I knew what I was talking about. Someone suggested that I imagine the audience in their underwear and it didn't work for me because it didn't get through the initial stage fright.
Somehow, I found myself imagining 'What is the worst thing that can happen while I'm at the microphone?' It didn't happen and I've been comfortable in front of a group ever since.

Answer 4

Just be sure you are thorough with your material and do not maintain eye contact. Do look at the audience but try and look at the last row of people. Just tell your self this before you go on stage " I know my material well and I'm just going to be talking. It's not a big deal." That should make you calm.

Good luck.

Answer 5

**In my textbook that I am currently studying for the final for, it suggests the following:
Prepare more material than necessary
Practice
Think Positively
Visualize your success
Take deep breaths
Be ready
Concentrate on your message and your audience, not yourself
Maintain eye contact with friendly audience members
Keep going-you will feel more and more comfortable as you go

Good luck; I too have a really hard time giving presentations in front of bigger groups. I think everyone to a certain extent gets butterflies.

Answer 6

It's natural to be nervous on the first minute of your speech. But as you go on and you feel that you are gaining the ears of your listener you'll feel better. Just make sure that before you step in fromt of your listener you are well prepared and you are sure to yourself that you know your topic

Answer 7

Just take time to know the material you are talking about . You then can talk about it with a little more confidence. Talk to your audience just as you would one person at a time. Concentrate on your topic not the audience.

Answer 8

Go to Toastmasters international and seek out and join a club I've been one for 12 years straight.

Become the speaker and leader you wish to be

http://www.toastmasters.org/

Answer 9

I just had to doa 30 presentation recently for my college class. I used to wait tables so it is like talking to a group of people before they order...lol

Answer 10

gather a whole bunch of your friends and some of their friends that really dont know and just read it in front of them. And honestly everyone gets nervous it just takes years of doing it over and over again and it will be like riding a bike