I have a problem speaking to a group also. A few things I've found that have really helped me get through:
one, I pick a person on the right side of the room and a person on the left and that's who I direct my speech/presentation to. Knowing that when I look up I have specific people that my eyes are going to go helps me keep my place in the notes. I switch out and look left first and then right first but always to the same spots and then back to my notes.
Two, and this helped sooooo much, don't look them directly in the eye. That's what really intimidates and distracts me, is looking so many people directly in the eye. Instead, as you are looking across the room from one side to the other, look at the middle of their foreheads. from a few feet away it looks like you're making eye contact and they'll never know the difference, but it'll take that intimidation factor out of the situation.
Three, plan when you're going to look up from your notes. Put a little asterisk * or some little symbol or note to yourself, leave a space, whatever, that at such and such a point you'll look up. Especially helpful if you plan these spots at the end of a note card. Can't lose your place if you look up between cards instead of in the middle of one. If you're using full sheets of paper, leave a big gap at the points where you are going to look up so it's easier for you to find your place again when you come back to the notes
Four, unless it's inappropriate for the topic of your presentation, smile. It does help you to relax.
Good luck. You're not alone, fear of public speaking is the #1 phobia out there. |