How do i reduce my fear of public speaking??

Question

it's not really public speaking but just speaking in front of the classroom facing a bunch of people. i get nervous so easily. when i speak, i tremble a bit, my voice shakes (not very obvious though), my order of thoughts get mixed up.

grrr....i embarrsed myself so badly in front of the class yesterday. it seemed like as if they think that my english is poor.

i rarely participate in class. does that contribute to my nervousness in speaking in front of the class? and also english is my second language. i communicate with my friends in english quite fluently, it's just that i have problem speaking in front of the whole class.

someone help me pls!!

Answer 1

I heard once that a public opinion poll discovered that more people were afraid of speaking in front of a group than were afraid of dying - so you are not alone!

A friend of mine - at her first practice sales presentation (in sales school) shook so badly that she literally fell out of her heels. So she kicked them off and kept right on going. She got an A in the class, by the way.

Here's what's worked for me:
1. If possible, know what you want to say so well that it is almost automatic. Practice your presentation in front of a mirror. Try it on your friends, or your cat. But do not memorize every word - this will sound absolutely fake. Just know the points you want to make absolutely COLD.

2. If you are giving a pre-prepared speech, you need to spend a minimum of 15% of the time alloted in 'breaking the ice'. This means getting your audience (and you) to relax. Think of a story (doesn't have to be humorous, but it helps if it is) from real life that relates to the topic on which you're going to speak. Note - it MUST relate in SOME way to your topic - that will make the transition to your real 'presentation' smooth and easy. Only standup comedians can tell jokes for their own sake - don't try! This will relax both you and your audience.

3. Make the presentation into a conversation, if possible. Get to know your audience - think of how you can involve them in the presentation - ask them to vote on something - how do they feel about something related to your topic? do they know something? Engage with them; your speech will be more interesting to them and they won't be as threatening to you. By the way - a trick - ask your questions as the opposite of the point you want to make - that way if people choose NOT to vote, you've got 'em. As an example, if you want to make the point that everybody tells little white lies, ask: "How many of you have not told a single little white lie in the past week?" If someone doesn't vote, they become part of your 'proof'.

4. Don't think about speaking to the whole room. Mentally pick out three people - one to the left, one in the middle and one to the right (not in the first row). Concentrate on speaking to them. Alternate. Then add people if you can.
5 As the groups get larger, start your presentation by 'clearing the room". That means you need to force yourself to physcially look at the back corners of the room before you speak - a professional speaking agent taught me this one for making myself more comfortable speaking in large auditoriums.
Finally, turn those nerves into passion for your topic. Get into your topic - you can turn all that energy into a force for persuasion.

These have worked for me.........

Answer 2

I had these fears in high school and they bothered me so much that I took two courses in my Junior year that would force me to speak in front of others. One was a drama class and the other was a speech class. This was very challenging at first, but I got more comfortable with time and practice. Later I played music and felt some of the same fears but the more I did it, the easier it became.
As far as speaking went, I realized I could be myself and not compare myself to others that seemed so outgoing. I was more like a toaster that warms up gradually rather than like a flare or a sparkler at a forth of July celebration.

Answer 3

You need to feel very confident about what your topic is when you speak. The more you know, the less nervous you will be that someone will call you out and make you look a fool, and then you'll be able to discuss your topic. You'll likely always be a little nervous before speaking, but once you get going, that will go away.

Answer 4

cheer up dear it happens with people but nothing is as difficult as it seems.... once u have the courage to decide that u are going to improve ur public speaking ability nothing can stop u from becoming a gud speaker..... try joining a good "Talk show" as we call it that is basically an english coaching institute where u will get a chance to speak between a group of students as a part of group discussion and extempore etc.... no one is ever borned with talent... it all comes by practice only ...
give ur names in next coming activities , practice and gather the confidance within u... u will sure comp out with some superb performance...
all the best....

Answer 5

I took a public speaking class in college, this helped alot. You plan out what to say and then practice saying in out loud again and again. You don't write down word for word but instead you write down main points you want to make in the order you want to make them. Sometimes I also write down key words I want to use. You glance down at these main points to help you stay on tract. However, you don't bury your head in the sheet and read word for word.

I time myself and say it over and over. By doing this I overcome the mistakes, mispronouncing words, and long awkward pauses in the privacy of my own home. By the time I get up and speak I still get a little nervous but the nervousness is kept to a bare minimum. And then the more public speaking you do, the better you get at it. Good Luck!

Answer 6

I have heard it is the most common fear out there. I took speech class to learn that there really isn't anything to fear. Try not to worry about it because it is perfectly normal to not like speaking in front of large groups. Try to convince yourself you really want to do it.

Answer 7

Practice. Practice. Practice. The more you do it, the more comfortable you'll get. Try joining debate or forensics or getting involved with theater or anything else that involves public speaking. It's a good tool to have under your belt.

Good luck!

Answer 8

Pratice speaking in front of a mirror, in front of your family or friends. Repition and memoriziation works a lot. When you rarely paricipate in class that means that you could be shy.

Answer 9

Hypnotherapy, NLP and breathing or TFT / EFT

The choice is yours - just go for it.