It's my first year in college and I have to take a dreadful speech class. I'm generally a shy person and whenever I get up on stage, I lose my train of thought and it's hard to get the words out of my mouth! Does anyone have any tips on overcoming this anxiety Plus, my first presentation is coming up (Oct. 23!). I have to create an informative speech with the use of powerpoint. Any good topic ideas? Help is GREATLY appreaciated Studies show most people fear public speaking than death, this is definitely true in my perspective, haha.
Public Speaking is difficult But just for the first minute, after it (If you did good), You WILL Be so CONFIDENT Last year, in science class, I had to prepare a lesson and explain it to the whole class after some days. When I started to explain, I was almost trembling, I was REALLY afraid, but then I started to explain better, felt better, and felt so confident. and at last, I was the best
Yeah, that's true. As time progresses throughout the presentation I feel more comfortable but a bit of anxiety is still there. I want to get rid of it completely. Each time I'm up in front of class, I still feel the same way as if there was no improvement I've tried breathing techniques, streches, even applying humor before presentations but it only eases a bit of tension. I'm thinking about trying something "blackhat" you might say...
I used to really suck at public speaking, my speech teacher in high school used me as an example of all the things you should not do. Now, I can speak in front of 100's and have people compliment me on it. The secret? Be passionate about your topic. Now, as far as a topic for you to cover, that would be impossible to say since I have no idea what you are about, but if you talk about something you like, no matter how inane (humor works too), you will do fine.
I agree, but my professor told me to present a topic that will appeal to my audience. So, if you guys/gals could make suggestions. There's this one game we play in class, where you have to talk about a random topic that's given to you by the teacher or a student. The catch is you have to last at least 2 minutes without saying "umm", "he/she was like", "yeah", "well", basically you have to speak in proper English. Last Thursday, I lasted up to 1 min & 40 secs ending it with an "umm". Quite an improvement considering last time I didn't even last 30 secs. But I think I kind of "winged it" because I made long awkward pauses (lost my train of thought ). Thanks for the help so far...
The first time I had to speak on stage, I did it with a full stomach... which was a very bad idea... I threw up on stage So thats tip number 1
Always believe in yourself in order to build up the confidence. Most important thing is establish "eye contact" as if you are talking to a close friend. Don't worry, once you got the hang of it, everything will come naturally.
For anything like public speaking only thing is more exposure. keep doing it. I heard President Lincoln used to deliver lecture in jungle amidst trees and thinking the trees as spectators or audience. May be you can try something like that.
Try to speak loudly on stage in classroom when there is no people there. Try several times before you relly deliver the speech. That would help a bit.
That is true for me, too! I HATE public speaking. I'm so glad I didn't have many spoken assignments when I was at university.
who r u afraid of ? if you are afraid of them, they will fcuk you. Believe in yourself, act as if you are afraid but inside, be fearless. Just listen to yourself and fcuk everyone. There is nothing to be afraid of. Rule the world. Be the best.
Well said. I got to say it to myself because no one is going to say it and I can only expect it from myself.
very simple and dimple my dear - i did PSTC( presentation skill tranining course) and topped in the course i have same feelings as you , what i did to counter them , by following some ideas 1) what ever the topic is , dont worry at all- the basic thing is you knowledge, its common thing when you have grip over certain things , you can face every one 2) you are not the only 1 who has fear to face others, every one has this problem- give alot of reasearch on the topic you selected for presentation. 3) after collecting material > prepare an introduction not by seeing the collection by after reading the material, put your own idea > you can start this today on 13 oct, 2008- ask ur mother , sister , brother to listen your presentation only . i prefer you to take help from your sister in that 4) males psychology that they always get confused infront of females, so give a complete introduction to her again and again 5) on next day - 14 oct, 2008 > try making the relevent material means the rest of the presentation (main body ) on power point - multimedia presentation is good - try giving the same presentation infront of your dad - cz we people always have no words when we come infront of our dad- so try bothering him on that day ---- 6) 15, 16 and 17 you give to your introduction, main body ( try using headings, as they are better to make onn power point )- 3 days mean onnly 3 days 7) 18 oct, 2008 will be given on the rest of the body of presentation , not the ending (i repeat , not the ending) 8) now you have intro, main body and some more before ending. this is the time to practise it infront of your brother- cz brothers always crticize you and its natural. but this criticizm favors you in presentation... 9) on 19 oct, 2008give the finishing touch with sweet ending -- and only complete your presentation not revise it 10)20th oct wake up early , start presentation and revise and at night time present it to your mother - mothers never taunt , criticize and always have praying hands for you - still 3 days left and enjoy your presentation > best of luck from my side and from the whole DP family > ihope my suggestion will help you cheerz Danish Muzaffar
very simple and dimple my dear - i did PSTC( presentation skill tranining course) and topped in the course i have same feelings as you , what i did to counter them , by following some ideas 1) what ever the topic is , dont worry at all- the basic thing is you knowledge, its common thing when you have grip over certain things , you can face every one 2) you are not the only 1 who has fear to face others, every one has this problem- give alot of reasearch on the topic you selected for presentation. 3) after collecting material > prepare an introduction not by seeing the collection by after reading the material, put your own idea > you can start this today on 13 oct, 2008- ask ur mother , sister , brother to listen your presentation only . i prefer you to take help from your sister in that 4) males psychology that they always get confused infront of females, so give a complete introduction to her again and again 5) on next day - 14 oct, 2008 > try making the relevent material means the rest of the presentation (main body ) on power point - multimedia presentation is good - try giving the same presentation infront of your dad - cz we people always have no words when we come infront of our dad- so try bothering him on that day ---- 6) 15, 16 and 17 you give to your introduction, main body ( try using headings, as they are better to make onn power point )- 3 days mean onnly 3 days 7) 18 oct, 2008 will be given on the rest of the body of presentation , not the ending (i repeat , not the ending) 8) now you have intro, main body and some more before ending. this is the time to practise it infront of your brother- cz brothers always crticize you and its natural. but this criticizm favors you in presentation... 9) on 19 oct, 2008give the finishing touch with sweet ending -- and only complete your presentation not revise it 10)20th oct wake up early , start presentation and revise and at night time present it to your mother - mothers never taunt , criticize and always have praying hands for you - still 3 days left and enjoy your presentation > best of luck from my side and from the whole DP family > ihope my suggestion will help you cheerz Danish Muzaffar
the few times I have done it the usual butterflies but once up Im fine I blank out the people, looking through not at them one spokesman said to imagine them all in their underpants I do not think that would work for me as Id end up cracking up or throwing up..good luck with your speech
I have also undergone the same thing and I used to hate it. But it gets better with time. What you can do is, try to speak in front of a mirror or gather your family members or friends and speak in front of them. That will help you. You can also try to record your voice through a microphone and listen to yourself.