A
female
age
26-29,
anonymous
writes:Im a student studying Media and Production, which involves a lot of presenting. We recently got told that we need to do a presentation in front of the class in 3 weeks time. I know that this gives me time to prepare myself and what I will say but any advice or tips on how to deal with gaining confidence to stand up and speak in front of people? I know that when I get up I will panic and my words won't come out right.
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male
reader, Hugh.J +, writes (11 September 2012):
 All good points so far. I was a college lecturer for 20 years, and the easiest advice I can give is actually the hardest to follow - BE YOURSELF!I'm not so sure about avoiding eye contact, female anon; I see your point, but then you will come across as aloof or not connecting with your audience. A good rapport is essential. As these are your friends/classmates, you are already half-way there with that connection.Unless your jokes are REALLY good and your delivery/timing are impeccable, do not try any!As with any aspect of life, remember the 6 "P"s........
A
female
reader, maverick494  +, writes (10 September 2012):
When doing class presentations in groups, my classmates always asked me to go first because I wasn't afraid. But I was. I just hid it.
What really works for me is:
- taking a deep breath, emptying your mind before you go up the stand. Inhale, exhale, calm yourself down.
- Tell yourself, it's just a presentation, it's your class and above all: you're prepared. Put it in perspective.
- know that letting silence fall here and there isn't bad. It gives the audience the time to consider your words and you the time to gather your thoughts and continue. So don't be afraid of silences. Embrace them. Don't use "uh.." and "uhm" to fill them up.
- Figure out a pose that is comfortable for you to stand in. For example, if you're the kind of person whose hands tend to fly allover the place, what often helps is to keep your arms in front of you and grab your left wrist with your right hand and hold it loosely. If you are too stiff, adopt a more open posture and don't be afraid to 'speak with your hands'. Just don't become the weather guy.
- Keep your presentation structured. Use your intro for this.
* So for example, if you're going to discuss 5 topics, list them in the intro, like the index of a book (but less boring of course!).
* List the approximate length of your presentation. They need to know if they're dealing with an elevator pitch or something lengthy.
* Tell the audience when they can ask questions and how they should go about it. For example, if you don't mind being interrupted, then ask them to lift their hand if they want to ask a question. If the idea of interruption scares you, tell the audience to write down their questions and ask them afterwards. If you don't know the answer to a question, be honest and say you don't know but will get back to them if they like.
- Don't be afraid to mess up. It's been proven that people tend to be more positive and sympathetic towards the person who made a mistake than someone who was impeccable. Why? Because they can identify. Just pick yourself up and go on.
Hope that helps, OP!
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A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (10 September 2012): Hello!
Two tips from me.
1 - Always talk about what you know very well. Don't wing it. Talk about things which you know more about than your audience.
2 - Be aware of the gremlin on your shoulder - telling you that you look like an idiot and sound like a fool. Concentrate on ignoring this gremlin!!
Finally, half the class will be bored anyway and not particularly intersted in your presentation. Try and make everyone interested and that will focus you away from being nervous.
Cheers.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (10 September 2012): http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/10-ways-to-conquer-fear-of-public-speaking/
i once had the same thing, and i litterally just googled it to find the website i used and here it is! this article was the first thing i thought of and for an internet source, actually helped a lot.
also, just stare into the middle distance and DO NOT make eye contact. you can look around but NEVER make eye contact if you are nervous, because if that persons expression is negative or disinterested, you'll get worried and distracted and panic.
and practice, practice, practice, makes perfection!
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