I get really nervous even if I have to speak in front of only a few people. I feel that my voice is too soft and I end up stumbling over my words or completely forgetting what to say. HELP!
2007-12-06 02:39:17 · 9 answers · asked by Mary 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Remember that it's not the content of what you're saying. The audience will assume that everything you are saying is true. To that effect, you don't have to worry about them judging your accuracy. If your voice is soft, just focus on making your voice carry, and you can forget your nervousness. That's one of the tricks to public speaking. Focus on one thing. This is why they used to say "picture everyone naked" For you, a good idea would be to focus on the way your voice sounds.
The other best way to get over this fear is to completely memorize what you are saying without having to look at notes. This will make it so you don't have to worry about forgetting something and getting flustered by getting lost. So, just remember to focus on your voice, and to prepare completely, and you'll probably do greater than you ever thought you could
2007-12-06 02:54:07 · answer #1 · answered by Buddy Lee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I find that if I am not confident about a topic, I will be the same way. So, constant familiarity on the subject or speech helps. Plus I give myself a phrase to say when I don't know the answer to a question, like, "I'm not sure at the moment, but I can find out for you." Then I write the question down and get their contact info either then or later.
Also, a friend of mine once told me to speak like I am yelling at my kids. If you don't have children, then take yourself 'into' a past situation where you were raising your voice or were having fun (usually when we are having fun, we don't suppress our voice...cheering, etc.) and use that.
Familiarity with your subject will help with stumbling. Notes to keep you on track of your subject should help also. You might need to speak slower too...sometimes the thoughts of what to say come faster/slower than you can or want to speak.
If its an issue of fear and anxiety, ask yourself, what is the worst that can happen? Is the opinion of these people going to affect your day to day life? Also, feed yourself some very realistic thoughts, like "My world will not stop spinning if this goes wrong. I will still be alive and healthy." You could probably think of something better to tell yourself. Those are just all things I say for me. I have to give myself a reality check most of the time. And, most people are very forgiving of someone's speech if they are trying, so lighten up on yourself and practice. It will all be fine, really.
2007-12-06 10:58:00 · answer #2 · answered by slgraff✪✪ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is not one of the people you are speaking in front of that is any better than you or anyone else. I am the same way and hated my college speaking class. I would come near having a panic attack each time it was my turn. The only way I got through that class was to tell myself that when I get up there to talk, focus on some object ahead of me and get my point out whether good or bad. Everyone knew I was nervous. Get up there and do your best. If they don't like it, well, I'm sure there is someone who didn't like theirs. You can do and good luck!
2007-12-06 11:28:53 · answer #3 · answered by . 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure you are knowledgeable on the subject. If you know it in and out, you will feel more confident. Something you might consider prior to speaking in public is, practicing in front of the mirror. This helps to a degree. So do deep breathing exercises. It will help you to relax. Remember, the only time someone can make you feel inferior is if you allow them to.
2007-12-06 10:49:48 · answer #4 · answered by L.A. H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Public speaking is scary at times. if you are confident in your subject, so know your stuff and don't worry about getting stumped on a question or comment. if you don't know just let them know. BS will get you nowhere in a crowd...someone always knows the answer. Just let them know you would be glad to find an answer and get back to them at another time.
Relax and remember your key points. Avoid having things in your pockets and look at your audience, smile but don't look simple, walk around a bit to keep people watching you and it's ok to have some fun.
2007-12-06 10:46:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Speaking out in front of everyone can be nerve recking because it shows that your now center of attention and all eyes are on you. Try not to think about it and try no to look in other peoples faces while your talking. Just try to say what you gotta say so you can be done with it and then the pressure might go away.
2007-12-06 20:40:14 · answer #6 · answered by Little Sammy Sam 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The important thing you have to remember is that you are the greatest speaker ever. You have to be confident about yourself. The thing i do sometimes is think that I own them and i am talking to my followers or something. Just put yourself in the frame that you dont care about them. the moment you start doubting yourself, thats a slope you might never come back from. Just be cool and youll be fine. But dont act like an idoit. im jus talking about the mind set you should have.
2007-12-06 10:50:07 · answer #7 · answered by John 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know just what you mean.
To overcome that, focus on the solution, rather than the problem.
Tell yourself that what you are saying, is important for at least one person to hear.
So, while speaking, focus on the one person who doesn't make you nervous.
Rehearsal is good, if you need to know what you are talking about.
Confidence can be attained from saying a prayer before going up there. (e.g., God help me! These are Your words, not mine.)
Does that help?
Good luck, and God bless!
2007-12-06 14:03:10 · answer #8 · answered by C Sunshine 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No problem, because you are speaking to idiots sitting before you.
2007-12-06 10:59:31 · answer #9 · answered by papasays 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋