The only way I "got over it" was by doing it. A lot. I was a terrible public speaker when I started grad school. But we had to make a bunch of oral reports, and I got 100X better just by doing it.
Tell yourself you're going to enjoy the experience. And then, when you're up there, make sure you do. Treat the audience as one person rather than a mass of different people. As long as you project your voice so everyone can hear you, you can treat the talk as a conversation. Remember that you have information to impart, and your audience is hardly going to heckle you. You'll be fine. Just don't talk too fast, and in fact, go as slowly as you like as long as you maintain enough momentum to keep people interested.
some great advice! practice and knowing your subject are great. Practice in front of a mirror helped me a ton with speaking as well as some sign language classes. I agree that you don't want to over practice so that it sounds too rehearsed (and thus one "out of order" question could throw you off). Have an outline with highlights and anticipated questions.
Ask your family if you can give your speech to them...sitting at the dinner table. Sitting takes some of the "spotlight" nerves away from you. It will seem more like a casual conversation, easier to touch upon things you realized you might have missed; easier to study your subject further.
If you miss something, who cares? keep moving and if a question comes up about the thing you missed? Thank your inquirer for reminding you, circle back to it and answer their question. And seriously? if someone stumps you? Admit it! "got me on that one, let me get back to you".
If you're well prepared, it will go smoothe. It's still not my favorite thing but it was easier with practice and preparation. Remember the 6 P's: Prior Planning Prevents Piss-Poor Performance.
Good Luck!
believe it or not, we don't "need" anything. that is only the spoiled brat in us trying to fill some temporary solution to an emptyness that does not exist.
I have eaten so much gold I crapped excellence - drtyfrnk29
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all!
What are some of your ways of talking in front of crowds. I usually practice alot think i have the material but botch it. Then the sweat starts comming down my forehead.
Some classes I can speak fine others I get really nervous. I just don't get it. Most classes I get to know everyone in class and this still happens.
Emotional Freedom Techniques or EFT....... google it.
Comments
And I don't feel right when you're gone away
Ask your family if you can give your speech to them...sitting at the dinner table. Sitting takes some of the "spotlight" nerves away from you. It will seem more like a casual conversation, easier to touch upon things you realized you might have missed; easier to study your subject further.
If you miss something, who cares? keep moving and if a question comes up about the thing you missed? Thank your inquirer for reminding you, circle back to it and answer their question. And seriously? if someone stumps you? Admit it! "got me on that one, let me get back to you".
If you're well prepared, it will go smoothe. It's still not my favorite thing but it was easier with practice and preparation. Remember the 6 P's: Prior Planning Prevents Piss-Poor Performance.
Good Luck!
I have eaten so much gold I crapped excellence - drtyfrnk29
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all!
Emotional Freedom Techniques or EFT....... google it.
EFT? Nah, not toothy tony! Tiz interesting though
This was going to be my suggestion.
Toastmasters is great for overcoming fears of public speaking.
They have chapters all over the country.