how do i keep....?

Question

how do i keep my voice from shaking while reading a speech infront of a classroom full of 30+ people? i get so nervous and i can't stand it. everytime i get up there my voice won't stop shaking!!!!! someone please help! and there is no way to prepare for this, i dont think because right when we get into the classroom we find out the topic of what we are writing about and we have 10 minutes to write it. next, we all have to read it out loud. someone tell me how to get over this?! please! and don't tell me to picture them in underwear or anything, becuase that doesn't work for me. sorry. thank you.


P.S. i am asking it in this category so more people will answer the question. people in the category this is supposed to be in dont answer any of it. sorry

Answer 1

Being given the speech just before class is contributing to the problem, because you don't know anything about the topic. Otherwise, my first advice would be to know your subject. Knowing your subject thoroughly allows you to feel confident and relaxed.

Because your teacher is doing it that way, I'm guessing it is a drama or speech class. In that type of class, the purpose isn't the topic. It's the ability to speak in public. That's the skill you need to build, and the best way to do that is to get up and speak in front of people.

Realize that there is no right or wrong when the teacher gives you 10 minutes to prepare. So don't worry about being wrong.

Some suggestions:

* Get some close friends or family together and give short prepared speeches in front of them, to get used to speaking in front of others. Prepare well for these. Maybe even answer questions at the end.

* Join a group like ToastMasters. Attend.

* Realize that many others in your class feel the same way. Even the best public speakers often get nervous before a speech.

* Pick out three people out of the audience (in different places), and alternate your focused gaze between them.

* Don't lock eyes too long, though, with one person. That will exclude everyone else from your speech, they'll feel.

* If you get too nervous all of a sudden looking straight at someone, focus on a spot just behind someone's head at the back of the room (on the wall or on a globe, etc). They will feel like you are talking to them, and you will feel less nervous. Don't do this the whole time! :)

* If you mess up and say something you know isn't right, or slur, stutter, etc., do not hesitate, say "er" or correct yourself. Continue. Later, when you ask your friends, they probably won't even remember when you messed up.

* It's better to hesitate too long than not long enough. Especially for a nervous person, because they will feel like they are hesitating a long time, and it is really just right. When they feel they are speaking just right, they are rushing.

* Instead of saying "er", "um" or other fillers, just hesitate and say nothing. This takes conscious effort, but will make a world of difference.

* Realize that if you show marked improvement throughout the semester, your teacher will grade you higher (because of improvement) than someone who is at the same level but stayed the same all semester. Not fair, but this is usally the case. It's just human to notice a big improvement and to reward someone for the effort.

* Read aloud to yourself this whole semester as you read for other classes.

* Practice speeches to yourself in a mirror (planned, with notes). Look yourself in the eye the entire time.

Answer 2

the only thing i can think of is pretending you are alone reading it in front of a mirror. or maybe you can practice with friends. do the same thing you have to do in the classroom. have the friend (or a relative) name a topic. you write something and then read it in front of them. do this a few times and then when you have to do it in the classroom, pretend you're still doing it just in front of friends or family.

Answer 3

the next time you have to read, believe that you wrote the best speech of anybody in the class and read it like you are proud of it.
It's not about what you wrote so much as the presentation. So read it like you just written the best thing you've ever read before.

Answer 4

The same thing happens to me. Honestly, I haven't found a cure yet for myself. I suppose you could just realize that they are probably nervous too. I know how you feel, it sucks.

Answer 5

try practicing in front of your family and friends at home. that way maybe you won't be so nervous in front of the class.
good luck♥

Answer 6

just concentrate on making your speech better than all the others. works for me.

Answer 7

i dont know if this work but many people got that i know solved this problem by the people you are seeing picture them naked and you stop shakin...i dont know if its true.