How do you overcome fear while doing a presentation?

Question

I have to give a presentation on a book in the next 2-3 weeks or so and I am not the type of person that likes to talk in front of people. I always intend to mumble sometimes when I speak and I hate to have eye contacts with the audience/teacher. I am not doing this alone. I also have a partner with me to present with (well..everyone has one) and I don't want to screw her up just because I was afraid. I don't want to be turned in to a joke if I mess up on what I am about to prove or say. Sometimes my head goes blank and I can't think of anything to say as well which happens a lot to me when people ask questions and I tried to answer it. The worst part is that I barely know anyone in class. Any help of getting rid of fear in front of people in class? I don't know what to do and I get nervous and light-headed as I approach the podium. Thanks.

Answer 1

I think practice is the most important thing. Get a routine of being in that situation (or at least feeling as if you are in the situation) and just start fielding all the things that can come your way. Also give yourself a certain amount of permission to not be perfect, as it is understandable that it's not easy and the most admirable thing is the courage you have to do the thing you fear.

Answer 2

There is no simple solution and this is a very common fear. Things that will help include:

relaxation--might as well start practicing now--some good tips here:
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/ART00536

preparation--you really have to know the subject well so you decrease your fear of saying something stupid or forgetting or confusing things

practice--though it will sound like a nightmare, if you can find some people to practice speaking in front of, that will help. Frankly, in psych, one thing we do is "systematic desensitization." Don't know how booked or trained your counselors are, but you could see if they can try that with you. If not, the practice is the next best thing BUT it needs to be paired with something that RELAXES you to be truly effective, so back to the first idea about learning to relax.

If you can find one or two sympathetic people in the audience to "talk" to with your presentation, that's good. If not, you might have another option or two. If your eyesight is bad, you might just not wear glasses/contacts. Probably people will be pretty fuzzy and may be less distracting--though you may be unsettled and assume they're making faces at you. Second thing that can work as a cheat is to pick a couple of spots on the back wall, about the level of a person's head, and talk to the wall--as your focus is at about the right level, you may seem to be talking to folks. By having a couple of spots you're not just staring at one spot which will NOT provide you with any feedback.

Do not listen to silly people who tell you to "take something," have a few drinks, etc. Not going to help and could cause massive problems.

IF you can get in the room when no one's around it doesn't hurt to go to the podium and even practice in the room--get more comfortable with the surroundings.

If you really don't know anyone by now in the class, it sounds like you may just be a shy person or have a lot of anxiety. Those are things you might want to work on as they are obstacles to things you will want to do in life. In all honesty, however, few people will be that fascinated by any errors you might make--some will have to present next, I'm sure, and they're probably thinking about THEMSELVES. Others who may have already gone are probably mentally high-fiving themselves that they didn't come naked like a common anxiety dream would have them fear.

Do try to smile where appropriate (at least at the very start and end). Do NOT tell people you're no good at speaking or such--don't need to get them verifying that in their minds. Try to move around a bit (but not pace), use some vocal variety (not a monotone), and be concise. If you tell people what you're going to tell them, tell them, and then recap, that is the "Toastmaster's Formula" and gives you some help in organization and lets people kind of peg where you're going.

Hopefully you feel there was something worthwhile to be had from the reading and want to share that with folks. If you can come with an upbeat attitude and message, it's better than looking miserable--that will make others uncomfortable or the juvenile delighted.

Concentrate on breathing--it will help.

Answer 3

One thing you can do is remember to breathe. Breathing keeps the oxygen flowing in the head, so you better remember your presentation. Take a big deep breath before you start. Maybe you can get to know some people in the class, be their friend. Then come presentation time, if you get nervous, just look over to them and they'll smile at you or something and you'll feel better. Having a friendly face in the audience helps. Also, if allowed, bring a bottle of water and if you get nervous, have some water to calm down.

Answer 4

I know how you feel. I used to hate presenting in front of people, too. Don't be fooled by that "picture the class in their underwear" joke because it will make you more nervous--one more thing to remember, right? If you're allowed to, bring some notecards up as a memory aid. If not, just practice, practice, practice. Schedule some time after school with your partener and (this may sound corny) practice in front of your parents. As for your issue with eye contact, just graze over everyone's heads with your eyes and it will appear to them as you are looking at them. Also, it's kind of good that you don't know anyone in your class because it's not like they'll be making faces at you to try and make you laugh. Plus, if you mess up, (which you won't!) no one is gonna hang it over your head forever like your friends would and never let you forget it. Remember that no one actually listens to your speech (at least at my school no one does) ecexpt the teacher, so it's really like you're talking to one person. I hope this helps and remember, even if it doesn't turn out the way you wanted it to go, it's just one grade. And as for your partner, if you don't know her very well, it's no big deal if you mess up; move on. Good luck!!

Answer 5

Some people might tell you to picture your audience naked, but that always just resulted in me busting into fits of laughter. So, what I found was that if you practice together first, and then when you're up there, look above everyone's heads and just pretend like they're not even there. Put yourself back into the place you were when you practiced and find that comfort zone. And breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Also, don't lock your knees while standing there, you don't want to pass out if you get nervous. Finally - tell your partner how nervous you are so you're not taking her by complete surprise.

Answer 6

read your report by looking at the paper than look at the back of the class than back to the paper.when answering question pretend your mother or dad asking you it.when walking to the podium wave at the people say i'm the man that knows the answer they will laugh than they will listen. than when you get there look at back of the class don't look at the people.meaning over ther heads

Answer 7

Focus on the tops of peoples heads or just above, so you are not looking at their faces.

Take some slow, calming deep breaths before you begin and say to yourself, "I can do this".

Remember, they all have to do the same thing! Take care.

Answer 8

Focus on someone in the crowd that looks friendly and doesn't intimidate you, and pretend they're your best friend. Then talking to them doesn't seem so hard.

Answer 9

Focus on ONE person. Now and then give a glance to others.