How do I make a speech in front of all my classmates when I am too nervous?
594292
Breathe slowly and then look up but not at the people's faces\nWorks for me
178174
jus practice your speech so you know what your saying and make sure you understand it, that is the best advice to help nerves because if you do not understand what you are talking about then you are going to mess up. People say imagining the people in front of you naked is the best idea but that would just make me laugh so i suggest trying out your speech in front of friends or family first. Just don't worry to much, its only natural to be nervous. Good luck!
617413
LOTS of preparation is needed.  \n\nFirst, know your topic back to front so that you don't have to memorize what you're going to say.\n\nPlan out what you'll speak about and when.  Outline the whole thing. \n\nUse visual aids, like power point or old fashioned tables and charts.  But, be prepared should something fail.\n\nTry to involve your audience.  However you can.\n\nPretend you're talking to friends.  Most people want to be interested if you'll bring them in.  Smile and think happy thoughts.  And smile.  Oh yeah, also, smile. ^_^\n\nDon't let the numbers scare you.  Presenting for 400 is the same as presenting for 30, 'cept you might need a microphone to be heard in the back!\n\nGood luck, have fun!
1002590
In college I did one on Saint Bernards.  For my visual, At this end of the speech I had my bf wait outside with my dog a (Saint Bernard) and he brought him in the class.  The instructor LOVED it and I got an A!\nAnyway, just give a speech on something you love, or a hobby or something.  That way you wont have any problem coming up with something to say.
1131576
You will look more calm and collected. For myself, if I know I will be speaking, I will think through what I need to say and plot out the order I will say everything. In public speaking contests, I memorize what I am going to say until I can say it as fast as I can, that way I know I know it and won't have to worry about forgetting it. Or, I will learn information about different points I was to make and remember the order of those points, instead of trying to memorize something at the last minute. Also, if questions are asked you will feel comfortable because you know the subject.
963400
well, i'm kind of a perfectionist when it comes to things like this...i make sure know my material, and have all my note cards in order. then, about a 1/2 - an hour beforehand i start doing deep breathing and stretching...it really works. practice your speech while looking in a mirror so you can see your facial expressions...practice reciting it to friends/family and get their feedback. while you're giving your speech, focus on ppl in the audience you know, and look at them from time-to-time. if you don't have to stand at a podium, move around a bit as you give your speech. try not to say "um" a lot...it makes it sound as if you don't know your material. try to smile at specific points in your speech material...if it's appropriate. that will make you look comfortable to your audience. i'm sure you will do a great job!! best of luck.
233244
Speak whenever you have the possibility to do so. Don't think a lot about grammar (I suppose you are non native speaker of English), say whatever comes to your mind.  I had the same problem, but with time I developed some self-confidence.Keep in mind that you are not the only one who has a fear of speaking, and it is something natural that must be done.Good luck!
658208
remind yourself that everyone says dumb things so there is no reason for being afraid....most people are afraid to talk in front of people because they are wondering what the people are thinking of them....everyone is not perfect
24581
1) Brainstorm.  Start with a list of everything that you can think of that you may want to include in your speech.  This is a stage where you generate ideas, so turn off your censor/editor and WRITE EVERYTHING down that you can think of.  Even if your ideas are dumb, they may help you think of other ideas after you have something written down.  Set a time limit for brainstorming so that you have to think quickly.  try 2-5 minutes.\n\n2) Pick your best idea and start with that.  In a speech, it's good to start with something unusual, something memorable, funny, etc.  Don't start with the boring stuff.  You want people to lean in to listen.\n\n3) If you're trying to think of an approach to start, you could begin with:\n\n--Your first impressions of the two teachers.\n--Accomplishments that people may not know about the teachers.\n--Statistics about how many students they've impacted, or some accomplishments of the students they've instructed.\n--Point out/remind people of a lovable/quirky trait about the teachers.  Like a common phrase they use or their trademark green sweater and purple tie, who knows?  (Be careful not to offend) \n\n4) After you have a rough draft of the speech, read it out loud.  If it doesn't sound like you're having a normal conversation, edit it so that it sounds like you're talking to someone.\n\n5) Rehearse the speech to a person who doesn't know the teachers.  Ask for honest feedback about areas that could be improved/shortened/lengthened.\n\n6) Rehearse the speech to a person who does know the teachers.  Ask if it's a speech that honors them, and again honest feedback for improvement.\n\n7) More ideas on brainstorming:  When I was a writing tutor, I often had to get students to brainstorm on a topic that they felt stumped on.  I'd ask them some questions about their topics similar to the following prompts.\nTry any of these prompts to get you going, and freewrite about them:\n\n--If each teacher was a color, what color would he/she be and why?\n\n--What would your grandmother have to say about these teachers?\n\n--Name some traits about these teachers that you wish you had.\n\n--Name some things about these teachers that most people don't have.\n\n--Why could this teacher never be replaced?\n\n--List some things about these teachers that students may not know.\n\n--If the teacher was a character from Shakespeare/Bible/Dickens/ (other classic literature), who would he/she be, and why?\n\n--If the teacher was a character from The Real World/The O.C./Survivor/Desperate Housewives/(Other popular show), who would he/she be, and why?\n\nGood luck on generating ideas!
1025302
You don't indicate whether this anxiety occurs when you are speaking in public, in front of a large audience, or if this is an everyday occurrence which happens no matter what the situation.\n\nYou also don't indicate who these people are: Strangers?  Friends?\n\nThere are different courses of action to take depending upon your situation.\n\nIf you fear speaking to strangers and to the public, don't worry, most people share that anxiety.  The key is to remember that it's not the end of the world- your bills aren't going to multiply and your health isn't going to deteriorate if you don't speak perfectly. \n\nTake your time and slow down your speaking.  Listen to what you are saying.  If you find you are injecting what I call "verbal commas" (sounds such as "um, ah......, uh, like,) that is an indication that either you are speaking too fast, or you don't know your material.\n\nIf you don't know your material, then how can you be confident with your delivery?  Also, while making eye contact is critical, it can be very difficult to do when you have anxiety.  Simply look at random points through out the room- it will look to everyone as if you are making eye contact with everyone else. \n\nIf you have difficulty speaking with ANYONE in general conversation, there could be some underlying issues you need to uncover.  More than likely there is a confidence issue at hand.  If you don't want to seek professional help, I suggest simply remembering that no matter what you say, it's not the end of the world.  Slow down.  Breathe, and be cognisant of your body- are your muscles tightening?  If so, pause your speaking, breathe, and relax, then continue.  \n\nThere isn't a time limit when you have a conversation with a friend or a stranger, so don't feel rushed or pressed.  Also remember that no one is making any sort of character judgements about you when you speak.  It's not how you speak, it's what you say that effects your character.\n\nIf you're worried about what you say, then I again say- know what you are saying.  Don't speak if you know nothing about the subject at hand- rather, don't speak as if you have knowledge about it.  \n\nAnother technique is to ask questions- rephrase what you want to say so that others have to do the speaking, and use their answers as a base for what you will say next.\n\nInstead of saying, "I really liked that movie" and being too nervous to list your reasons why, for example, ask- "Did you like that movie?"  The ball is in the other person's court- they will answer, "Yes" or "no", and then YOU are in control- you can now ask "Why?" Then again, the ball is back in their court.  You are having a conversation without really doing much speaking. \n\nAbove all, remember that we are all capable of fear and anxiety, and we are all capable of conquering it.  Everyone has different methods; it's up to you to find yours.  You're not going to find it if you're too afraid to try.\n\nGood luck to you.
354403
I had to do this and was terrified. This worked, and I actually relaxed enough to enjoy doing the presentation! Got compliments. So:\n\nKnow your subject inside and out. Develop a passion for it. Start really wanting to get this info you are presenting out to others--feel a need for them to know and understand it.\n\nPractice, practice, practice! To a mirror for a little while, then to everyone you know. Over and over. Eventually, you'll be so familiar with your presentation you won't feel totally dependent on your notes, you'll just roll. Take the criticisms offered by those you practice to, and use them.\n\nAfter you know your stuff inside and out, you can start concentrating on the audience, as in making eye contact, smiling, what words to emphasize. Practice all of that too. Over and over.\n\nTime each trial run if that's at issue. After a while, know within 30sec. of how long you need. That erases worries during the actual presentation of watching a clock.\n\nKnow your audience. Will there be someone there whom you know well? Who might have been one of your practice audience and knows the drill? Who might give you nods and smiles during?\n\nThat day, wear a favorite outfit that you know looks great and is comfortable. Look your best. Get there incredibly earlier than need be. Walk around the room, know where things are, begin to feel at home. If there's chitchat in the room before things start, mingle. If you're talking to a stranger about the day, if it feels right you might mention that you are a presenter, and a little new at this. Any sympathy drummed up ahead of time from the audience helps, as they sort of send warm vibes to you while you're speaking. And it helps you to feel that they are more understanding of your position. (Just don't whine.)\n\nWhen you know it all inside and out, go practice about 25 more times! Be able to do it in your sleep! Be so bored with the whole thing by the time you get there that you just want to do it, get your warm fuzzies, and move on. Just don't, after awhile, let monotony creep into your voice.\n\nGood luck! Have fun with this, it's actually an amazing growth and confidence-building exercise.I hope my suggestions help a little.
574873
Its always good to break the ice with a joke or witty remark. Dont worry about being nervous and shaky, if you are doing a speech for school everyone knows what you feel like. Be your natural self - dont try to be extremely proper or news anchorman like. Just be yourself, study what you wanna say, so you dont have to use to many notes. Use gestures and mimik where appropriate.
928718
You never know what you can do until you try to put your all into it.  First of all \n\nBELIEVE IN YOURSELF...SHOW CONFIDENCE....NO ONE WILL BELIEVE IN YOUR MESSAGE IF YOU DON"T BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.  I recently started speaking, it was my first time two years ago, I  practiced.... I had to speak in order to pass my college classes...I GOT A 98 on an Anatomy Presentation\n\nBut I practiced, practiced, practiced, knew my message inside out, no one could ask a question about  my subject Strabismus and throw me off guard.\n\nNow I recite poetry, and even minister at church\n\nAND I WAS BETTER THAN I EVEN DREAMED....AND AFTER SPEAKING AND BEING ABLE TO DO IT SO WELL, I FOUND OUT I ENJOYED IT , AND FOUND OUT PEOPLE ENJOY HEARING ME SPEAK\n\nKNOW WHAT YOU"RE TALKING ABOUT-SO YOU CAN BE PERSUASIVE....\nNever let anyone catch you off guard, and don't appear to be confused yourself\n \nLET PEOPLE EXPERIENCE YOUR PASSION FOR LAW THROUGH YOU SPEAKING!!! \nYOU CAN DO IT!!!!!   RELAX, wipe that sweat from your palms and take control!\n\nYou can start out by looking over the audience, like towards a back wall, and it'll appear as though your're looking at the audience build up your confidence,\nfind a face that you feel comfortable with, look for attentive people.  That should put you in control.  Giving presentations is all about being in control, you demand everyone's attention, and it's your moment to shine.
204399
calm down! it will be ok. i hate presenting too and i get really nervous and get the sweaty palms and everything. but i usually concentrate on what i have to say and hoping that i dont screw it up.hope i helped!
1002817
First, realize that every one of them would be just as stressed as you are.  Make sure you know your subject very well; the source of some discomfort is fear of failure... if you know your stuff, you will be speaking from knowledge instead of notes.  One thing that works for me is to view this as a discussion more than a presentation and invite interaction from the audience.  This is one time where you will be able to say what you have to say and likely not be interrupted...  so take advantage of the situation and say what you need to say.  It helps if you believe in the message you are conveying.  \n\nOne technique you can use before starting:  take a very deep breath, then let it out very slowly... do this 3 times.  This will force your body to relax, which will help you to relax.\n\nYou'll be great.... no worries!
807579
ok first thing first, youve got to be calm and composed. feeling nervous is okay. just relax and listen to the questions carefully. answer them patiently. dont hurry things up. it can mess up.
956473
No, as I've gotten older I've found it much easier to approach others. But that's beside the point really. What you need to do is force yourself to come up to people in your class. Your teacher, and your friends out in public. Just start by saying "Hi" and go from there. :) People love talking and if you get a big "talker" then you won't have to worry about saying much. Never be afraid of what people think of you. You are your own person and you shouldn't care what they think. If you say something stupid, laugh it off! I have to a lot. Goodness, just the other day that happened to me and I just laughed. It's like walking into a pole in front of a guy you have a crush on. You just step back, say "wow, that was stupid" and start laughing! It's really freeing! Trust me, I have actually run into things around guys that I've liked in the past! Yeah, it's embarrassing, but that feeling goes away after a while and you feel more confident in yourself. Good luck to ya!