Public Speaking

[Tendencies]

So it's the end of the term for me and I'm in the ninth grade. I have my finals this Thursday and Friday and have to go in front of the whole class and give a presentation. This is one of the most terrifying things ever to me. Especially since I'm still in mid-puberty and my voice cracks way more than I'd like. I know it is a thing I will eventually have to get over, and I know everyone gets nervous every once in a while, but how do I get over it?

P.S.
I don't wanna imagine people in underwear. That'd be disturbing..

[ninja789]

I also get really nervous talking in front of people :)
for me I just tell myself that these are people I talk to on a day to day basis therefore there is no problem now. Whatever happens you need to soldier on :) and then it will all be over

[Hallie]

Trying to relax can actually make the anxiety worse, but getting excited can make it a whole lot better. Think about something you are passionate about. Move around a little bit and get the blood flowing. Try to think of something that makes you smile :)

[Cygnus]

Hallie brought up a good point, move around and you will find flow to your words, if you can't move around then move your arm or both your arms if you think it helps. Also try to focus on a point that isn't all the people, if there is a wall focus on the wall (but don't make it too obvious), and just make eye contact for one second from time to time if you desire to have character when speaking and reach the people you are presenting to. And also when you are thinking, think about the information rather than about the people you are presenting it to. I am not guaranteeing anything, but this should help at least in the minimum.

[Typhlosion]

Put all your love in it and go! When you really know what you're going to talk about, you'll find out that it's actually fun! Move around, crack on joke or two and don't worry! This is how I lost my shyness and actually started loving to do it!

Okay, no more exclamation marks

[backjruton]

P.S.
I don't wanna imagine people in underwear. That'd be disturbing..

I would... but only certain people :D ;)

This is one of the most terrifying things ever to me. Especially since I'm still in mid-puberty and my voice cracks way more than I'd like. I know it is a thing I will eventually have to get over, and I know everyone gets nervous every once in a while, but how do I get over it?


I would say you could "practice" it with relatives or friends in a small group so you can train yourself. Maybe in a group of 5 or 6 friends or family you know won't make fun of you when speaking, you could try and experiment how it would go. I never did this so I can't give any advice as personally I didn't care about how I did in school and just went along with it day by day with no revision or anything.

I always used to worry about the Speaking and Listening things in school because I was naturally the worst at it and got the lowest grade but they weren't actually too bad in my case. Our lazy teacher always gave us Cs and Bs on the spot for something really bad. Me and my friend kept making fun of eachother in our assignments because it was the 2 of us and we did something really sloppy because I would rather have people laugh at me than just stare at me and not do anything. It's quite hard especially in my case because I struggle to make eye contact, I hate the thought of it and can't do it. You should see me when in interviews... I can't talk to people one-on-one either, my eyebrows start dancing and I keep having to look around the room instead of at their faces. I also start breathing heavier too when I'm in a situation where I have to stay still because my random anxiety gets the better of me. Having a lot of people look at you is the worst thing when doing anything, except for being in a one-on-one situation, so just try your best to imagine other things.

Think of things that make you happy, even if you laugh, because it's better to laugh than to be worried about stuff. Personally when I'm relaxed I actually panic more so I have to do things to calm myself down (stimming I think) and then I'm not relaxed anymore. Not being able to stay still also makes it worse, I have to keep moving, and that's why it's lucky we were able to sit down because I found it easier to cope then as I have to move less when I'm sat down XD.