How Can I Get Over Being Scared of presenting?

Question

I have to present in class and no matter how hard I try I seem to be really nervous no matter what. Even if I feel fine the day of the presentation, when it gets time to present I freak out and feel like I'm going to puke. I practice a lot and I know the words by heart and I practice in front of my parents and friends but for some reason no matter what I do I still get really nervous and mess up and get really red and speak really quietly. I even try looking at the wall and i try to think no one else is in the room but nothing helps. I need tips for making me not afraid and making me calm and relaxed and talk loudly and not get red. Thanks!!!!

Answer 1

There is only one thing that can help you but not ever cure you....to cure you you need practice and experience which is rare unless you do this as a job.

For help you can believe in what you are talking about.  Make that presentation your own.  Not big words that you cannot say; but words that mean something to you.  Make it go in the direction you want it to.

I did a presentation on a frosted frog before.  It is a frog that lives in frozen regions, tree frog, that freezes during cold seasons and thrives in others.  It had all kinds of scientific hooplah words, etc.  Instead of using them, which I did, I backed all up by explaining generally what each meant so all would understand.  It basically works its internal juices as antifreeze in a car, and only keeps vital organs alive and well.  It almost crystallizes the rest on the verge of non-repair.  Remarkable creature and it earned me an A plus....

The real plus was the response of others and myself during the presentation.  It was my favorite to perform and I fear public speaking just as the rest.

Answer 2

Focus very hard on the subject you are talking about.  You are trying to explain something to these people.

It's alright to be nervous.  Just be nervous, that's what I do.  I found it's better to have a presentation you are proud of and worked hard on so that your main focus is to tell them about it.

Answer 3

Believe it or not, the most common fear for anyone to have is a fear of public speaking or being the center of attention in front of a crowd in general. I am the exact same way, I can be 100% confident and as soon as i step in front of everyone my heart races out of control and i stutter and struggle to remember what i am supposed to say. I don't know of any miracle cures for the fear.. but its good that you practice a lot, it will help slowly but surely!

Answer 4

Step one - Know your material, and Tailor it to your audience.

Step two - Practice

Everyone is scared to speak in public...

                 ........especially Dubya!.........Oh ........SNAP!

Answer 5

"i know the words by heart" thats ur problem, your not supposed to memorize your words, in speech according to COM-115 college class i took is a speech class.... you are supposed to be nervous when confronting a crowd no matter how small or BIG!!!! my advice is take a friend or 2 of yours and practice with them, and hey the best part about your presentation is that your doing it in front of people you knew..... if you did what i did (i spoke in front of 500 people) and my gossh its frightening so compared to me ims ure you can pull it off, on that speech i gave, i gave a 7 minute speech, at first i had to clear my throat, and i was hesitant and after 2 minutes in youll find yourself more relaxed.. go ahead and be nervous just dont be nervous all the way. good luck

Answer 6

I also hate making official presentations, although I'm fine spontaneously entertaining an intimate group of people with my brilliance. That is, I feel fine when it's a casual situation and not a prepared formal speech. By contrast, even *practicing* a formal speech with friends and family makes me nervous. How frustrating!

I got curious about why my throat would close up, why my face would turn red... which is how I found the following book. It won't get you over your fear, but it will help you to better understand why you might be experiencing stage fright.

http://www.amazon.com/Highly-Sensitive-P...