Ahh?? How to be less nervous??

Question

I am one of the most shy people ever and I HATE talking in front of groups. In fact, I have a problem even standing up and speaking in front of my mom when it's in a formal manner such as giving a presentation. Whenever I get in front of people I get extremely shaky and short of breath. I can barely keep my thoughts straight. I'm not sure why because I have no fear of being judged, I just panic!

People tell me "Just don't think about it." " Take it slow and be calm." " Everyone gets nervous" or the world famous "Picture them in their under wear" (lol) but it's not a conscious thing!

Well, tomorrow I have to give a 5 minute presentation. I know the information very well but I'm extremely nervous just thinking about it right now. Any advice on how to calm down and be less nervous? Anything at all will be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance everyone! :)

Answer 1

I used to be exactly like you.  I even stuttered I was so afraid of public speaking, even in a classroom.

Somebody told me to pretend the people were a bunch of five year olds and I was a teacher.  Well I got up, and with a grin on my face, started talking like I was reading them a storybook.  

It WORKED and it was funny.

Answer 2

Unfortunately there is no quick fix other than chemical substances which are a very bad idea. More than likely you exprienced something in the past that made you nervous about this sort of thing. Talk to people that have known you for a long time. It may not even be a really big event. The human psyche can be very fragile even in the strongest people. The best bet to get over stagefright is to just keep getting up in front of people and confronting your fear. And that's what it is. Keep kicking it's butt and give yourself loads of positive affirmation before and after. We all listen and believe what we tell ourselves. Saying it out loud is especially effective. When people ask why I'm talking to myself I tell them it's because I'm the only person that could possibly understand what I'm talking about. If you make a mistake during a presentation, laugh about it openly. Don't take yourself too seriously. And every time that little voice in your head says "Man, I'm scared" tell it to shut up and ask yourself "What's the worst that could happen?" Finally, make yourself practice in front of small groups of people who are close to you and tell them that you're scared before hand. Practicing in front of a mirror while looking into your own eyes can be a big help. But most of all remember, You're just scared. Courage is not the lack of fear, but the power to overcome it. YOU CAN DO THIS!!! Give 'em h**l baby. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!!!!!!!!! Oops. Forgot one trick. Don't look in the audience's eyes. Pick 3 spots on the wall behind them. 1 left,1 center,1 right, all just over their heads. Alternate your gaze between the 3 spots. The audience will think you're looking at them but you will be the only one that knows the truth. It really works. Please let us know how it goes. Break a leg. Git er done.

Answer 3

Hey Kiki

Who said you are nervous. The very fact that you have asked a detailed question is proof enough. What you are encountering is a form of stage fright. Many actors & speakers have faced this.

Do one thing -- For your presentation  - stand in front of a mirror or multiple mirrors and reherse the same.

You could also do something you have never done before - something very strange - Go to an open park or area where you do not know people and start singing loudly or start dancing. Do not get bothered as to what the people are thinking. They dont know you and it does not matter. For all you know they may be thinking that you have hit a jackpot and therefore are exhuberent.

Believe me the stage fright will vanish and your presentation will go full throttle.

Go out and claim your space. All the very best