How do I get over Nervousness?

[lexiginger]

Whenever I have a speech or something in front of the class, I get nervous and shy. Sometimes I read to fast and talk low. I hate being like that, does anyone know of a cure or something. I didn't mind it much in high school, but in college it got a little worse. Drinking and smoking cures it, but I don't want to be a drug addict.

[toef]

Originally Posted by lexiginger

Whenever I have a speech or something in front of the class, I get nervous and shy. Sometimes I read to fast and talk low. I hate being like that, does anyone know of a cure or something. I didn't mind it much in high school, but in college it got a little worse. Drinking and smoking cures it, but I don't want to be a drug addict.

Before doing whatever you're nervous about, just listen to this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Riw7j9b8fM8

Or this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFYQQPAOz7Y

[SDon1969]

Pretend your audience is naked.

[mikejet]

Take a few deep breaths.

It will slow your heart rate and help you relax.

The best way to overcome your nervousness would be to just keep speaking openly.

Like join a poetry club where you can, in a smaller setting, get used to speaking publicly.

[Another_Dude]

Join Toastmasters.

Also, check the Youtube of "Shy Ronnie" and don't do what Shy Ronnie does.

[Teabaggins]

crank one out in the public bathroom....with the stall door open.

[LeAnn]

You know, I have the worst time making public speeches, and even though I do it all the time, I will still turn really red and sometimes fumble over my words.
The best I can do is really just put myself on the line and remember that I know my topic, and I have prepared it as best I can. If people dont agree, they are not really attacking me as a person, but rather wanting me to defend my idea.

Depends on your audience, for example I hold monthly meetings for Psi Chi, and I used to get really nervous and not want to say much but rather delegate to other people. Now I just pretend they are all my friends, that we are just hanging out and it is ok if I say something silly, and I often will say something silly just to make them laugh and lighten the mood.

[master_8ball]

Pretend that no one cares what you have to say.

[lexiginger]

Thanks for the help, I really appreciate it.

[Adrock]

Originally Posted by Teabaggins

crank one out in the public bathroom....with the stall door open.

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by lexiginger

Whenever I have a speech or something in front of the class, I get nervous and shy. Sometimes I read to fast and talk low. I hate being like that, does anyone know of a cure or something. I didn't mind it much in high school, but in college it got a little worse. Drinking and smoking cures it, but I don't want to be a drug addict.

Your experiences were no different than mine in college, made worse by the fact that I had to give numerous presentations in front of the class (and it does not get easier because you've done these often).

It's tough for those with introverted personalities (like me), but you can work at it to improve your verbal and presentation skills. Someone recommended Toastmasters International to me while in college (most schools should have a local chapter which you can join, so that you can become more comfortable). They have some tips and techniques which you can try, if you don't want to join at this time.

Good luck.

[lexiginger]

Originally Posted by LeAnn

You know, I have the worst time making public speeches, and even though I do it all the time, I will still turn really red and sometimes fumble over my words.
The best I can do is really just put myself on the line and remember that I know my topic, and I have prepared it as best I can. If people dont agree, they are not really attacking me as a person, but rather wanting me to defend my idea.

Depends on your audience, for example I hold monthly meetings for Psi Chi, and I used to get really nervous and not want to say much but rather delegate to other people. Now I just pretend they are all my friends, that we are just hanging out and it is ok if I say something silly, and I often will say something silly just to make them laugh and lighten the mood.

maybe I sould pretend that they are my friends too. thanks.

[lexiginger]

Originally Posted by adrock41

LOL I laughed at this too

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by Teabaggins

crank one out in the public bathroom....with the stall door open.

Make sure you scream loudly while doing it too, chances are it'll make sure most of your classmates don't look at you while you're making your presentation.

[Lord_Stewie]

OP do what I do. I clear my head and tell myself that I got the materials. And think of it as talking to friends except in this case you are explaining something.

[MrFattBill]

It just takes practice to get used to public speaking, even in small groups. If you have your speech typed out you can try timing how long it takes you to read it silently at a comfortable pace then try to mimic that time while reading it aloud, assuming you aren't a speed reader

Also don't say the "word" "um" or try to at least limit it, that word during a speech makes the speaker look really nervous and unprepared.

Good Luck

Bill

[KASR]

Practice in front of a mirror, practice in front of friends, be familiar with the material and then go for broke!

[garlad]

I guess I can relate.. I too feel nervous when talking in work. I cannot understand it. I did Speech and Drama classes for years which helped in public speaking as I took part in many drama festivals, albeit to small audiences. When I started acting the numbers in front of me grew, and at one point I performed on stage in front 3,000 people a night for 3 months.

YET, when I have to talk in work, or give presentations, I feel myself going red and nerousness sets in. As recommended by a few already, Toastmaster is a great suggestion. A friend in work attends weekly and he is a super speaker and is more than capable of standing up at work in front of others and get his point across in a very professional manner.

I think a lot of it is also down to confidence. Some people have it, some dont. But once you are comfortable talking about the subject, there should be no reason to get nervous. Say to yourself that you KNOW what you are talking about. People are going to be INTERESTED in what I say. I will CHARM people and IMPRESS them with what I have to say. If you bring that confidence with you, the nervousness might ease. I try to say that to myself when I am in similar situations.

[Teabaggins]

Originally Posted by KASR

Practice in front of a mirror, practice in front of friends, be familiar with the material and then go for broke!

I have done it in front of mirror but sometimes the funny faces I make end up distracting me. in front of friends would just be...weird, "hey guys watch this!"...but if that is what you are into then more power to you

[Anti-SD]

I'm just taking the advice from others here because I have the same problem, I'm bloody awful at Public Speaking and just a very shy person in general.