How can I comfortably do oral presentations in front of the class?

Question

I'm just not comfortable doing oral presentations in front of the class. I'm not a good public speaker but I want to be one. If i have to talk in front of a lot of people, I get really red and it's just horrible.

Answer 1

I agree with tutti. I would also add, just practice and practice your presentations. Record it if you have to. In this way, you can see where you can fine tune any rough areas. I remember I did a comedy stand-up routine and the day before, I practiced the whole day until I felt comfortable. It helped a lot.

Answer 2

If at all possible, use a visual aid or give everyone a handout (that way the audience will not be staring at you as much).

Do not memorize presentations word for word.  Instead, become familiar with the major concepts and ideas you are presenting.  

On your outline, use various font styles, sizes, and colors.  You can even use a piece of clip art in place of a word on your outline to help refresh your memory-- I found that one to be really helpful.

Don't drink caffeine before a presentation, and try to make friends with people in the audience.

Good luck!

Answer 3

These other answers are awesome, but I have something to add.  I used to be horrible at presentations.  I would try to memorize every word and I'd practice so much and then I'd get up there and ramble and panic and hate every single second I was standing up there.  This lasted through college.  I psyched myself out I think!  

But when I realized that I wanted very badly to be a teacher, and that teachers have to stand up in front of students and talk most of the day, I realized I'd have to do something to get better at this.  And I discovered something that has really helped me.  I now give my presentations like I'm talking to a buddy.  Sometimes I perch on the end of the desk, often I move around the room, and I always have energy and make eye contact, and when appropriate, hand gestures.  I try to engage the audience by using references that they'll relate to or even think are funny!

And on a more technical note, having an outline is so so helpful.  That way if you get lost, you know where to go next.  Do NOT be afraid to take a moment if you're stuck to collect your thoughts.  Take a deep breath, look at your outline, and then jump back on the speech train and nobody will fault you for it.  Practice with your friends and parents, and just remember that if you know your subject, know the general order of the info you want to talk about, just get up there and talk about it like it to your peers interests you and you want to show them how cool this stuff is :)  They will love it! Good luck!

Answer 4

So I have had the same experience with this.  I actually ended going into a communications major when I was in college and here is what I found to help:

Think about what you are talking about prior to giving the speech.  Realize that what you are talking about is something that nobody else in your class probably knows about since you had to do research on it or it is about your personal life.  When you get up there think about that and act as if you are teaching them something.  Refer to them as if you are teaching them.  Ask them questions, use your hands, pick on people to answer.  I know this seems wierd, but it really does work if you concentrate on only that.  I have a harder time getting up in front of 10 people than I do 75.  The only reason why is because the smaller the group the more I realize they are actually listening to me.  I have been public speaking now for quite some time, and I'm telling you this works.  You are still going to be nervous, remember that.  But if you become the expert of your topic and actually teach your class then you will notice it is over quicker than you began!