I don't know about any of you guys, but I get a little nervous standing in front of people and presenting. When I was reading chapter 2 in our books I thought that it had some really good pointers on ways of helping us reduce our anxiety, but I still feel that once I'm up there I will forget all the tips they suggested us to use. Do any of you guys feel that way?
Posted by lued0049 at September 13, 2004 07:44 PMI think everybody feels that way. Everyone has a little anxiety when they go up there. My biggest thing is that I dont try to show it at all. Even if I am super nervous I try my hardest not to let the audience know that, because if the audience can see that you are nervous then they will have some anxiety as well. If you appear relaxed and confident, you will be able to deliver your speech better because the audience will be more relaxed as well.
Posted by: Jeremiah Linder at September 14, 2004 07:41 PMOne thing that I think works well is to actually give the speach out loud a couple times beforehand. Sometimes people will give it in their head, or speak to a mirror, or wisper it quietly because they feel they know it and are just running over the rough spots. I have found that not looking at a mirror allows me to see where I am stumbing. Also it is good to time it while practicing because that will allow you to be sure of yourself and your information.
Posted by: David at September 15, 2004 01:12 PMTo those of you who are nervous, have you had a class where you focus on giving presentations before? I had one last year but I don't know about the rest of the class.
What I found in my previous class was that I loosened up a lot after seeing a number of my classmates present. They all did a pretty good job and it made me confident that I could do the same. The main problem I have is that my mouth dries up which causes my voice to get less powerful, but as long as I have a glass of water beforehand I'm fine. Also, to stay loosened up and casual, I pace while presenting. I try to make it fairly slow and casual, not a nervous, intense pace. I practice my speech in my head throughout the day leading up to it. If I get through it multiple times without any problems, it really boosts my confidence. And I try to maintain eye contact almost constantly. It helps to look directly into random people's eyes, rather than just occasionally glancing up but not focusing on anyone.
So...
- Practice a lot, not always from notes
- Keep moving so you don't stiffen up
- Maintain eye contact (make sure you know your material so you don't have to look at your notes)
- Have a glass of water
- Breathe deeply
- Remember that we're all rooting for you.
You should be fine. Good luck everyone! :)
Posted by: Luca at September 15, 2004 04:20 PM