How do I learn how to speak in front of a group of people?

Question

I get really nervous and feel like I'm gonna be sick...and I'm lucky if I get a few words out.

Answer 1

One of the reasons for the nervousness is that you’re more focused on people’s response (i.e., on their faces) to you rather than on your material or what you want to express. So the first thing is – have confidence concerning what you want to express. Practice speaking it by yourself at least about 3 times. It’s okay to glance at your notes, but be sure that your message is organized in your mind, but especially that it is in your heart. Real persuasive speaking comes from the heart, so when you get nervous, the heart still speaks – using your mouth. And it’s your conviction of the worthiness of your material that gives you real strength to stand and give it voice.
Another helpful thing to do is when you go into a classroom, an auditorium or wherever there is a “stage,” stand on the “stage” and get a feel of what it’s like to stand before a group. This is to help you get used to standing in front of a group. You can do this both when there are people and when there are not. But it’s better when there are people, so you’ll get used to it faster. If it’s possible, stand somewhere in the front and look at the audience when someone else is speaking. You’ll have to get used to seeing people’s reactions on their faces – whether it’s excitement, curiosity, or boredom.

The bottom line is though, know that it’s not yourself that you’re representing, but your material. For later purposes when you get used to speaking in front of people, don’t forget this: if you think you’re representing yourself, then even if you do become a good speaker, you’ll surely come off as being egotistical – because actually that’s what you are being – instead of being a voice for what needs to be voiced. People want to hear what the speaker has to say, not see the speaker being egotistical.

Much blessings to you.

Answer 2

Okay, I had the same problem at first... but when I made or presented a speech, I talked about subjects that have either happened in my life or that I can relate to. It makes you feel at ease when you are not just practicing over and over about something that you don't know much about. If you are still nervous or if it is a subject that you don't know much about anyways, then the best thing to do is, DONT look anyone directly in the eyes and do not focus on one individual. Instead just sweep your eyes back and forth and kind of gaze instead of directly making eye contact. When you go up there, take a deep breath before you start, get organized, and then start either with a joke that relates or a very personal statement that will get the crowd interested on an emotional level. This will get them to listen to you without rating your movements or anything else. They will just want to relate their own lives to your speech. I was a horrible speaker at first, but I aced the course by using these tips. Good Luck. Remember...no one is perfect the first time around and everyone knows that!

Answer 3

When you're giving a public presentation, your mind should not be occupied on the audience but on the content of your presentation. It helps to change your attitude towards presentations. Don't think of it as "I'm up here for them to judge me"; think of it as "I have this information I want to communicate; the information is more important than what these people think of me". Also, don't look the audience directly in the eyes; instead look at a spot somewhere in the midst of the audience- somebody's chin or shoulder, for example. Remember that they can't tell EXACTLY where you're looking. This way it still looks to them like you are acknowledging their presence (so it can pass for making eye contact), but you won't be intimidated by their gaze. Finally, before you give a presentation, memorize an outline of the presentation's content (topic, main point A, main point B, main point C, conclusion). Do this and you can fill in the details extemporaneously. Of course, the more practice you get in front of an audience, the more comfortable you should be.

Answer 4

If you live in Canada or the US, there is an organization called "ToastMasters" that does just that. You get to meet new people and learn to feel more comfortable speaking in public. They have regular meetings. I am not currently a member, but I may decide to enroll later if I feel the need.

My friend's company actually pays for the training.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Get a video camera, note cards with key points, then practice. First set up the camera, have someone press the red button on the camera to start and stop, then with your note cards start speaking, and then you are done with your speech stop the camera and watch and try to improve what you don't like in the video. Also have someone critique you.

Answer 6

juz practice by talkin in front of all ur famliy den wen u go on stage or wateva juz pretend itz ur family

Answer 7

take a public speaking class

Answer 8

first you go to the fields of flowers, and start speaking there , thinking flowers are people, and then try on people, thinking themselves as flowers.

Answer 9

Picture them in your underwear, or think of your happy place. That helps me :)