How can I overcome my fear of presenting in front of a college class with 200 people?

Question

I'm absolutely terrified of public speaking. I'm usually the very "timid" and quiet girl, so giving presentations in high school was very difficult for me. As soon as I thought that phase was over, I realized that I had to make numerous presentations in college (this is my first year of college). The presentation I am mostly fearing is in my Psychology 101 class. Our professor requires us to participate in a debate in class. Sounds fine? It's not for me! I have over 200 people in my class! How can I overcome this constant, consumming fear? It's very anxiety-producing and it's giving me a great deal of stress. Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. :)

Answer 1

I've never done any debating, but I've done a fair number of presentations. I was abysmal when I first got started, but eventually I got the hang of it.

Practice and preparation are the key. Rehearse, out loud, a dozen times or more so that your "scripts" fall easily from your lips. For a debate, you may want to prepare some "scripted" responses for common arguments that you expect, and some scripted statements that state your side's main points.

Try to pick topics you know a lot about and actually care about, if possible.

If you can, do a few rehearsals in front of a "live audience". Practice your speeches in front of a few friends with whom you are normally comfortable speaking one on one.

Always rehearse in a setting that simulates your venue as closely as possible. If you will have access to a podium, then practice speaking next to a podium. If you can access the classroom "after hours", do a couple of your dry runs in that actual location. If you are going to use audio visual or other equipment, practice with it so you know it well.

Rehearsal is the key!

You might also read "I Can See You Naked", it's a handy book of presentation tips. There are others along the same lines in most libraries.

One of that book's recommendations is to find a friendly, supportive, enthusiastic person in the audience, and make them your "anchor" point. Open up, speaking to that person, then scan out, making eye contact with others in the audience, but return to that "anchor" from time to time to be "re-energized".

If you have time, or expect to do much public speaking in your career, Toast Masters has done wonders for developing many people's public speaking skills.

Good luck! I used to be very quiet and am still somewhat introverted. Most would have described me as shy. I barely passed my 8th grade speech class. Took another class in my sophomore year of college, and barely passed (but the last two presentations were solid). Then I had to do a series of presentations while working on my Master's degree, and the prior practice and training allowed me to do very well in each of them, and I have done quite well in professional settings since that time, even though I don't always have time to prep.

Once you get the hang of it, and build some confidence, it gets a lot easier! Good luck!

Answer 2

First of all, know that this is an extremely common fear. When I had to take public speaking as an undergrad and gave my first presentation, I was so frightened that I hyperventilated and stopped breathing altogether! I thought I was going to die right there in front of the class! I overcame it, though, and now I do this every day.

One thing I've seen people do, which seems to work well, is that they not only planned WHAT they are going to say, but HOW they will say it. I've had students basically choreograph their entire talk - where they were going to stand, when they would take a couple of steps forward, which direction they will look in at each part of the talk, etc. The more you are concentrating on the details of what you have to do, the less energy you have less for realizing that anyone is watching.

Also, you can realize that most of the people in the class don't really care. Much of the nervousness is the thought that everyone is focused on you! The fact is that most of the students in your class are worried about what their boyfriend said to them yesterday or the quiz they have coming up in the next class. They really don't care all that much if you mess up.

Answer 3

Hmm, public speaking is one of the things a lot of people fear the most. I still get nervous every once and a while but here are some things that let me speak more comfortably in public.

1) Know the material that you will be speaking about.
2) Use a general outline or note cards with major points and topics you want to cover.
3) Find a friend sitting in the class and pretend that you are only speaking to them. But be sure to look around to the rest of the audience every once and a while.
4) Practice your presentation in private and in front of a same group. I use to record my presentations so I know what to work on in my delivery.

Answer 4

It's really hard to be a public speaker, I used to have the same problem before I joined the debate team. You have to build up your self confidence slowly starting out small - if you're doing a speech on a specific topic make sure to write the whole thing out. Practice it in front of a mirror or some close friends that you feel comfy around. When you're up in front of everyone make sure to bring up cue cards, so you don't lose your thoughts. It's insanely hard to be a very good public speaker - very few people are great at it naturally. So you have to keep in mind that most of your classmates are probably just as worried as you are. Take a deep breath :D and do your best.

Answer 5

I'm going to tell you this even though I know you won't do it because you can't see how it could possibly help and you'll probably think it's a stupid idea.

Try spending an entire day naked.... see told ya.

If you can, stay in your room or somewhere where you can walk around, sit, watch TV, whatever, without wearing any clothes. I cannot explain why, but there is no other way to more effectively confront the demon of inadequacy. Robes or blankets are technically cheating but a good way to get started. If you do cover, try to keep it to a minimum. Keep in mind, you're exposing yourself (to yourself) so covering up defeats the purpose.

If you can accomplish the act of being naked for an extended period in places where one is not normally nude (ie. livingroom, no streaking!!) then the whole idea of shyness simply dissolves. "Why should I be timid here, I'm fully clothed and know what I'm talking about!"

Answer 6

Have fun with it. You won't be the only one in class afraid of public speaking. Personally, I used to be afraid, but I realized that I talk more now. Possibly because I just do it. I ignore the faces watching me and focus on the person I'm talking to, clearly stating my idea. It works rather well. You'll see that it's easier to flow with once you've said one or two statements.

Answer 7

The key to confidence is practice. Memorize your notes and internalize them until you can speak confidently. You may want to visualize the scenario beforehand to prep up for it, but don't overdo it or you will end up a nervous wreck. Just have a laid-back yet prepared attitude towards it.

Answer 8

personally, what i would do is i would practice in front of my friends. They could help you and give you some tips. Or you could video tape yourself and see what you look like when your presenting. Then you could see what you do and you could fix what you do dont want to do while your presenting.