A
female
age
30-35,
*tellaforstar
writes:Hi everyone, this might sound stupid, but basically this is a question about nerves. I've always had this problem where if I have to do something, for example speak out in front of people, or have an interview, I become physically nervous. My body starts to shiver, my hands go cold and clammy and I get a bad pain in my stomach. Plus, if I'm speaking i swallow involuntarily during it so that i look even more idiotic than a shakey, sweaty moron who can't do a simple task. It even happens if i want to add something to a discussion in class. Normally i just avoid situations that make me have to do this, or try to calm down before it but it's pretty difficult. And I have this history presentation to do for Uni where we have to talk for 6-10 minutes on a topic. Now, I don't know what i'm going to say but my boyfriend is gonna help so that part is ok. It's just i need some advice as to how i curb these nerves so that they're not so noticable to other people. It's stupid I know but any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thankyou xxx
View related questions:
swallow Reply to this Question
Share |
Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
male
reader, Quarrington  +, writes (29 January 2009):
I work as a magician, and have over 20 years of theatrical experience under my belt, and I can say that the presentation is one of the more difficult things to do. A common cause of the anxiety is that you know the people you're talking to - and you're going to have to face them daily after your presentation. Also, speaking is just plain nervewracking. I agree with the above comment - know what you're going to say, and treat it like a conversation, but also know that the people you are speaking to are your supporters. They want to see you succeed. In your speech, think of it like and essay in that the more you focus your topic, the easier it is. I always eat something minty - a mint chocolate bar - before going up as I find it soothes me. For the long term, find every and any occasion to speak in front of people. Speaking is a true case of practice makes perfect.
A
female
reader, Emajayne +, writes (29 January 2009):
 When doing a presentation if i dont treat it like a conversation i get exactly the way u do. The key is to KNOW WHAT YOUR SAYING INSIDE OUT AND BACKWARDS
take confidence from what u know and hold onto that for dear life. Present to a spot in the room
dont make eye contact with any single person and dont forget to breathe. Presenting is already a pretty hard thing to do so i know where u are coming from when ur nerves take over. When i say treat it like a conversation keep it casual, like a teacher does. If for some reason u lose ur spot dont say um...just pace about. That always makes u look contemplative and deep in thought.
...............................
|
