have any tips to keep me calm? I have a habit of literally breaking down when speaking in high stress situations such as this one. It's not that I have problems speaking in front of people, more like speaking for a grade in front of people in academia. I'm extremely nervous and feel like I'm going to blank out. I'm about to start practicing it again, but I'm so afraid and scared of blacking out. Can anyone help me?
2007-09-19 00:57:44 · 6 answers · asked by bobrekrabold 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
I can sympathise, because I was the same way when I was younger. I agree with Seank808. The fact is that all of those people that you think are watching you are really focusing on themselves. They are much too self-centered to worry about you the way you think they are. Don't think of them as a big audience. Think of them as individuals. You will be talking to Will, then Davy, then Chad. What's the big deal? You do that all the time?
When I went from being a very shy student to being a new professor, I got to know student names very quickly. Then I picked out individuals in the room and spoke to them one at a time. I made sure that they were scattered around the room, so that I didn't look like all of my focus was on one place. I've been teaching for 28 years, and other than occasional stage fright on the first day of a new class, when I don't yet know anyone, it has continued to work.
By the way, in case everyone in your class is still a stranger to you: You can still pick out individuals who look kind and supportive in the crowd and speak directly to them, one at a time. I tend to be a nodder when people are speaking, and I can't tell you how many times famous people giving presentations have thanked me afterward for being out there looking supportive when they were nervous!
2007-09-19 01:36:23 · answer #1 · answered by neniaf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im kind of like you. I dont mind speaking in front of a crowd at all, but when it for a grade I get nervous. Do a few exercises to get you blood going and clear you heard. Then imagine yourself giving the speach. Imagine yourself speaking cleary, confidently, and the audience is interested. Just keep these good images and this will help. Do you have a friend in that class? When you are actually up there speaking try looking at them and just pretending you are talking to them. Oh and as your walking up there take a few deep breaths and smile. Good luck!
2007-09-19 10:31:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your problem is that you are thinking too much about people judging you. A humans attention span is very short, so as soon as you start talking imagine everyone in the room losing their attention in you. So really you are talking to yourself. Also, don't practice in front of a mirror, use a real person(friend family) and if all else fails....i take a few sleeping pills which lower my heart rate so i don't flip out. Better you look bored giving your speech than sweaty, nervous, and spazzing out.
2007-09-19 08:14:54 · answer #3 · answered by seank808 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Visualize yourself speaking in front of the crowd and doing fine.
2007-09-19 08:08:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prepare your speech you know that interest the audience. Time it. Tape it .Think that you are Pres. Bush. You will enjoy it.
2007-09-19 08:08:18 · answer #5 · answered by wilma m 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its natural to have these anxieties excersize and get your blood flowing
2007-09-19 08:07:15 · answer #6 · answered by narlyknot 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋