Is anyone else terrified of public speaking?
Alex87 asked:
Whenever I speak in front of a crowd, always get very nervous. My face gets red to beat, I start sweating, my heart beats really fast and I can barely communicate perch? on are almost like breath. No matter how ready are, this always happens. Probably not even talk to me deal with the public if these things do not happen physical me. Suggestions on how to overcome this? This happens to anyone else?
Emery
Whenever I speak in front of a crowd, always get very nervous. My face gets red to beat, I start sweating, my heart beats really fast and I can barely communicate perch? on are almost like breath. No matter how ready are, this always happens. Probably not even talk to me deal with the public if these things do not happen physical me. Suggestions on how to overcome this? This happens to anyone else?
Emery
December 25th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
Toastmasters! I used to be really afraid to speak in public. I joined the local Toastmasters and the experience of speaking and the support and strategies that I have learned have been extremely beneficial.
Good luck
December 27th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
I used to have a hard time speaking in front of a audiance. I found that being prepared helped me. I think everyone have some anxiety over it because you get a rush of adrinaline. Some people learn to use this to fuel their speach. Try taking deep breaths and releasing slowly. Concentrate on slowing down your words. When I am nervous I often speak faster than I should, many people do. Use note cards or something else to help you remember where you are in your speach. Many times just having key words on the card will get you back on track when you stumble. Sometimes shifting the conversation from yourself to your audiance can help you to calm down and catch your breathe so think about having a question time. When looking at your audiance look just barely over their heads so that you will not get more nervous. There are also some wonderful public speaking classes and seminars you could attend that would help you to overcome this. Most of all, Practice makes perfect! Good Luck!
You can do it!
December 30th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
It happens to lots of people and is difficult to overcome but not impossible. Some say to imagine your audience members are all ***** but I don’t know if that would work for everyone. Since you say you are well prepared and know the subject material then that should give you confidence in itself. You might start out by asking questions of people in the audience regarding your subject.
“Does anyone have a particular opinion about Last months report?”
If someone responds you can agree or disagree and move into the material you have prepared smoothly to illiustrate.
Mainly I think making it interactive will help. Just speaking seems as if you are giving a lecture but speaking to and hearing from your audience makes the whole thing more conversational and easier. Confession is good for the soul too. Start out with: “I am lousy at public speaking and stand before you a nervous wreck so help me out a little bit here. If you have questions or thoughts about our material today shout them out and help me get started.” Believe me there are plenty of people in your audience who understand perfectly. Just find that key to calm yourself down and you’ll be fine once you start using it.
January 1st, 2008 at 5:53 am
I had the same trouble, except I would visibly shake too! Not a pretty sight! I talked with my doc and he suggested taking a VERY LOW dose of xanax before the presentation. I usually don’t take any kind of meds, but I was desperate with a degree hanging on the outcome of my speech. I tried this path twice. After that I had no problem remaining calm without meds. I just needed my body and mind to perform in public in a calm way without reacting in a fight or flight manner. The best thing you can do other than that is to breathe deeply! I also enrolled in an acting class…You get to practice in front of folks and pretend to be someone else, so nothing is personally on the line for you! Good luck!
January 2nd, 2008 at 1:16 am
There are so many great tapes/CD’s/books out there. Try the power of positive thinking. It works. Also, the club Toastmaster’s can work wonders. Check ebay for used books on public speaking.
January 4th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Toastmaster is a good start.
Also you could learn some techniques to control your internal states and improve you confidence. (See Link).
Good Luck.
January 6th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
I have the same problem !
Seems to be that lot of people fear public speaking.
Today I was searching the web and I got to this article:
I didn´t try the Paul method yet, but I think I will try it.
What you think ?
January 8th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
ay sometime they are when they got nervous and irritated about something
you need to understand their positions
you need to tell them if something to said wrong
January 11th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
you have anxiety and could get help from a doctor or do what i did…
I spent the last two years of my life getting comfortable with people in many different ways….. ex: get in controlled arguments, talk as much as you can in groups, be loud and out spoken, cause conflicts, look for anyway you can practice exposing you self in this manner….
Very soon you’ll feel so comfortable that you’ll be at home in front of allot of people and be live it or not you enjoy it and might even become addicted to attention like this.
Hope this helps…
January 14th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
something similar happens to me-and im an experinced public speaker. i might get the “butterflies” before i step on stage, but once i start im not nervous at all. BUT, my hands will shake terribly and my face gets really red and hot. sometimes the shaking comes though in my voice. but over the years ive learnt to control this slightly. sometimes, clenching stomach and bottom muscles seems to help, and really “pushing” from my diaphram helps too. im not sure if this is helpful, but i thought id tell you so you know, this isnt uncommon.
January 17th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
I also feel that way in front of a large number of audience. I think, you’ll get comfortable with it as time goes by. A student must join a debating club while young, this, i think will conquer that feeling.