What’s the best way to overcome public speaking nerves?
bobo_doll asked:
I get very nervous when I rise to speak in front of others and end up speaking very quickly and very forget what I mean. Sgradico duty to examine my notes every 5 seconds and often stuttering on the words and I feel tongue-tied. How can I relax, believing calm and improve my public speaking?
Theobold
I get very nervous when I rise to speak in front of others and end up speaking very quickly and very forget what I mean. Sgradico duty to examine my notes every 5 seconds and often stuttering on the words and I feel tongue-tied. How can I relax, believing calm and improve my public speaking?
Theobold
October 26th, 2008 at 6:30 am
Stop being nervous, just stop. You’re doing it to yourself, remember that, you are making yourself nervous, no one else is doing it to you.
October 29th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Be very familiarized with the subject. So you can concentrate in it and don’t bother about others.
October 31st, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Call you local Toastmasters organization. If they don’t have the answers, they will know who you should contact.
November 3rd, 2008 at 7:24 am
I took zero’s all through school because I was too nervous and shy to speak out in class or give reports. When I got to college I realized that if I was dressed in an outfit I was comfortable with and I memorized ever word of the speech I had to give that I could do better. I chose topics that I had personal experience with and that was also helpful. Then instead of looking at the people you are talking to you look just above their heads at the back wall. Or look at the tops of their heads instead of looking them in the face. You are as good as you want to be. Know your topic and know your appearance and you will go far. Good luck!
November 4th, 2008 at 8:33 am
attention seeker
November 6th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
I found that the one thing that helped me a lot was the most common advice…practice, not in front of the mirror but in front of friends with whom you feel comfortable. Tape yourself (alone and make sure you do it well, exactly how you want to do it in front of poeple) if you can and force yourself to watch it over and over sooner or later you get used to the idea of yourself speaking in front of others and the sound of your voice saying the words how you want them to sound (like when you sing with a song over and over and eventually you can sing that song almost identically to the artist) Dont be fooled though, there is no quick-fix for stage fright…Good Luck
November 7th, 2008 at 2:42 am
first of all make sure you have a calm day, take things easy since morning, and makesure to have a light or medium breakfast/lunch.
before your presentation, go to the library, sit with your notes and present the whole thing in whispers, to yourself. Try this, it works very good for me.
good luck !
November 7th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Picture everyone ***** j/k. I try to not think about where I am, or I’ll focus on one person, mainly the teacher and act like i’m talking to just her, but still looking around. Or pick a spot in the back of the room to focus on, and try it that way.
November 8th, 2008 at 5:21 am
Be PREPARED.
Read it over, think it over, so when you actually do speak, you are ready and know what to say.
November 10th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
I found I could speak in front of crowds very well, as long as they were not my peers. I continued speaking in front of my subordinates more often (usually 100 people or more), then became more confident in my public speaking skills. Over time, I became more confident, but made sure to cover all bases before speaking to a crowd of my peers. As long as what you are speaking about is clear, concise and correct, you will be more confident and able to deliver, but it will take a little practice. It’s better to read off the page, than to stutter or forget and look like a fool. After a few times, you’ll feel better after your message gets across, the way you wanted it to. Then you will build your subconscious confidence enough to go with limited notes. Hope this helps – R
November 12th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Like learning how to play golf or the piano, it just comes with continued practice. Practice practice practice is the best thing my business communications teachers told me. Try to take classes that involve as much public speaking as possible, such as a communications class, or try getting involved with organizations that will require you to get in front of people. It’s very rare to just get it right away, and the only recourse is to just keep doing it until it becomes second nature, which will eventually happen.
I should know because when I first started college I was as nervous as you about it. But I took so many business and communication courses that by the time I was a junior I was easily getting the hang of it. Then by the time I graduated I was (and still am) very good at it.
Having that ability will make you a huge success in any future career. Communicable skills is the THE most sought after quality in applicants.
November 16th, 2008 at 1:47 am
Practice speaking in front of the mirror at home. Time yourself. Smile often and look people in the eye. Take a few deep breaths before you begin to speak. Most people **** it (I read somewhere that 80% of people have a fear of public speaking) so you’re not the only one who’s nervous. It’s OK to look at your notecards often, if that helps you remember what to say. But be sure to look up often too.