Public speaking?! Help!

[silverrein]

So I really do psych myself out when it comes to presentations and giving speeches. I have to give one this evening and it seems as though I am fine and I know my stuff when I'm practicing, however, when I get to the front of the class I become a nervous, stuttering, trembling mess. Its embarassing and makes for a horrible presentation. Anyone else deal with this? I should be used to giving presentations at this point because ever since I started graduate school last year, I have been required to give at least one presentation per class per semester. This is something that I really need to get over. Any advice?

[NC@SEA]

I have to give briefs and presentations on a regular basis. The easiest thing that I do is to ensure I know the material inside and out. That's where the majority of the nerves come from. Don't look anyone in the eye and just do a general gaze around the room while presenting. Take your time because when you feel rushed you will rush it and that will lead to problems.

Watch what you eat also. You don't want to have a major upset stomach too.

[silverrein]

Its so funny that you said to take my time because as soon as I get up there I want to zip through the entire thing. I sometimes speak so fast that I can't even understand myself.

What I can find some comfort in is the fact that I have a partner in this presentation.

[decks]

Picture everyone in their underwear...

I never really got that one...they say that public speaking is #1 on the list of people's fears...

Just try to act like you are having a conversation with friends...

[Navgirl]

I hate public speaking. I am so glad my speech classes are out of the way now.

I hope you can get through it, NC@SEA had great advice.

[NC@SEA]

Originally Posted by silverrein Its so funny that you said to take my time because as soon as I get up there I want to zip through the entire thing. I sometimes speak so fast that I can't even understand myself. What I can find some comfort in is the fact that I have a partner in this presentation.

Co-facilitation is a great way to provide a brief. Let them open up the topic and then work out how you two will hand off the rest of the presentation. This does provide a sense of security in an extra person up there with you.

I am going to start going to Toastmasters soon. I want to get better.

[silverrein]

Yay! Presentation went GREAT! Much better than I thought, we could bounce topics off of eachother and bring up new discussion points for both of our presentation (We were talking about substance abuse, prescription pill abuse, marijuana, etc). Thanks for providing great advice guys

[BumbleBeep]

Glad it went well!

I know it's after the fact but I used to be super shy and nervous. Just hold on to this experience and know everyone else in that room is just as nervous about there presentation. Own it!! You're working hard just speak to the teacher don't worry about the peeps.

[oxtete101ox]

so glad everything went well for you!

[Amy]

I get the same way speaking in public, even when I'm just doing a presentation for a small class. I hate it.