I have a public speaking phobia, and tomorrow I have a presentation?

5 Comments

1. Thechicyoumet. says:

   July 30, 2009 at 9:50 am

   pretend no one is there.
   Like you’re just practicing in front of a mirror.
   Try to calm down. Think positive. and just pick a spot straight from you on the wall and talk if anything else helps. (:
2. libtih says:

   August 2, 2009 at 7:34 pm

   If it were me I wouldn’t do it, you must be brave already to even be considering presenting in front of 120 students.
   I guess just remember that they are most likely not actually listening to you, I never listen when class mates present. Also most other people who have to do it are just as nervous.
   Good Luck!
3. nashnash says:

   August 5, 2009 at 9:28 pm

   I used to be so nervous a lot, too. I always thought that people would make fun of me or I would make a fool out of myself in front of everybody. But, what I do is to treat the presentation like there’s no one in the room. It’s just me speaking to myself, I just speak loudly.

   Also, try to get rid of other thoughts such as people not listening or people making fun of you. It’s harder to have the confidence to speak in public when you have these thoughts running through your head when in fact, most of these students will be listening. Or even if they won’t be, they’d be quiet.

   The first step is to helping yourself confront your fears. Once you start speaking, and I’m sure you have a fair idea of what your presentation is about, it would be easier. Think of it as something you have to get over with, and by the time you finish speaking, you’d realize that you’ve already done the thing that you are scared of. Self-talk can help. Tell yourself: “I can do this.” Don’t ever tell yourself you can’t. You are your own enemy, just as you are your own helper.
4. Noah says:

   August 8, 2009 at 7:49 am

   I always try to practice as much as possible. Knowing that I’m prepared helps me feel more confident. I also try to take deep breaths beforehand and tell myself that this presentation is only one small, insignificant moment in my life so there’s no point getting worked up over it.
5. wiu_stu says:

   August 11, 2009 at 6:32 pm

   Stand in front of a mirror and begin, what is a better subject than yourself. When you are about to unload on these innocent people , just picture yourself in that mirror. Moses of the Old Testament was a stutterer also, and myself included. Here is what happens, the brain begins before the motor skills of your tongue and therefore causes a nervous condition and consequently a terrible case of anxiety!