Speeches!

[linz06]

Is anyone else here deathly afraid of public speaking? I have to give a speech tomorrow in class, and I'm so nervous already. I didn't prepare well at all because I tried to push it out of my head for so long. I have to do at least one speech every semester so you'd think I'd be used to it by now, but I'm not. Everytime I go up there I shake and I sweat and I stumble over words and can't make eye contact! I'm a shy person to begin with so I hate everyone staring at me! Anyone have any tips on how to calm down? This time I just made little notes and topic headings on my cue cards so I speak from my mind instead of reading, and hopefully I'll make more eye contact that way. Ahh I'm so scared!

[BamaFan121s]

Lock your knees and breathe deep...you'll pass out and they'll feel sorry for you. Actually, that's really not a good way to face your fears, huh? I actually knew a guy who crapped his pants to get out of giving one....he was excused and the teacher passed him.

[centralnewyorki]

I had to take a public speaking class, and my major was PR, so I have given a lot of speeches. Make sure that you're prepared and your notes are organized. I used to use notecards and have certain words highlight or written in a different color pen to make them stand out- like cue words so that I didn't have to read all of my cards. Before the speech, practice square breathing- breathe in for 4 seconds, hold it for 4 seconds, breathe out for 4 seconds, hold it for 4 seconds... Most of all, don't worry about it! Everyone in the class is in the same position, so they completely understand that you're nervous and not so excited to be giving the speech. I used to do my speeches in the mirror a few times for practice or recite them into a recorder and listen to it a few times before bed. Another thing to think about is the actual length of your speech. Say to yourself "It's only 3 minutes out of my life" or (if it's memorized) "It's only 1,000 words."- that always helped me to put it into perspective. If you're prepared for the speech, there is no reason to be nervous- you'll do great!

[linz06]

I wish I could say I'm prepared! I mean I know what I'm talking about because I'm just talking about my experiences working for the past 8 months. I know what I did and what happened, but when I think about everyone watching me i feel nauseous! It's so stupid too because I know all these people, we've been together for 2 years now. We talk out of class all the time. I just can't talk to them in that situation! I've got cue cards with just some main points on it. Just words that will remind me of things, and anything I might forget. If I have sentences, or even partial sentences, I know I'll be reading right off it from nerves. Ahh I'm gonna go practise again in front of my dog

[Sherry Lynn]

I agree with Susan. Note cards are key if only to keep you on track. Since you already have those, you should do fine. Just think of it like you're out at lunch and talking with your firends. Maybe that will help.

Since I don't have a shy bone in my body, its easy for me to say, huh?

Good luck! And remember to breathe!

[Kelz]

Haha i have to give one tomorrow too!!!!

[megan_kat22]

good luck, and to you too kelz!

[linz06]

Well I just got 12 minutes in front of my mirror. That'll equal what, 6 minutes in the classroom? Lol I hope so, that's the minimum time! I'm also getting videotaped, and then I have to go watch it. Put me through hell and then make me watch it!

[Kelz]

Originally Posted by megan_kat22

good luck, and to you too kelz!

thanks!

linz!! Just remember what my teacher told me... the audience is NOT the ENEMY!!!

[StewiesMom]

Just pretend like you are talking to your teacher/instructor and try your damnedest to impress them with your wit, insight and knowledge. That's what I do - it shrinks the room when you pretend to have a one on one conversation.

I gave a ONE HOUR and fifteen minute presentation on a book on Tuesday. The teacher e-mailed me and told me what a great job I did, etc. I think it's easier if you go first - before anyone else gives their speech/presentation so that the teacher has no one to compare you to

Also, remember to leave an opportunity at the end to ask if you can clarify anything or if anyone has any questions.

[linz06]

Well, I got it done! My instructor didn't even bring in the podium today so it was just me up there with nothing to hide behind! I went up this time while he was still marking the guy before me, so I had some time to just be comfortable standing in front of everyone. It wasn't that bad! I talked way too fast but I got 7.5 minutes which is great for me. If I get some time this afternoon I'll go down and watch the video and maybe then I won't think it's so great, but for now I feel good!

[centralnewyorki]

Congrats on the speech! Watching a video is a great way to pick out strengths and weaknesses you wouldn't have realized otherwise!

I agree with Kristy about going first. You get the speech out of the way and don't psych yourself out listening to other people.

[txshopper73]

Originally Posted by BamaFan121s

I actually knew a guy who crapped his pants to get out of giving one....he was excused and the teacher passed him.

That's being desperate and GROSS! BLAH!!!!! I don't think I could have done that!

I've had to give speeches before. Took a speech class in college thinking it would help get over my fears but no such luck. Also took a class where I had to give a solo singing performance in front of my peers. Never once made eye contact.

Now that I'm older, I've found that it is much easier and it actually no longer bothers me. Now, grant it, I'll grip the podium or microphone and my nuckles turn white but you'd never tell from a distance.

Best of luck to you in your speech and update us!

[linz06]

Originally Posted by centralnewyorki

I agree with Kristy about going first. You get the speech out of the way and don't psych yourself out listening to other people.

Unfortunately we do alphabetical order, and my name comes up 3rd last! So I've actually went through a few days of watching other peoples speeches before today. I ended up having to go last today. It made me feel better to see everyone else be nervous too though!

[centralnewyorki]

Originally Posted by linz06

Unfortunately we do alphabetical order, and my name comes up 3rd last! So I've actually went through a few days of watching other peoples speeches before today. I ended up having to go last today. It made me feel better to see everyone else be nervous too though!

Going in alphabetical order for classes (especially college) used to bug me- I have an "s" name and was always at the end. At least going toward the end helped you, though!