How do I keep myself from freaking out during an oral presentation?

Mar 15, 2003
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I have to get in front of my theater direction class (around 40 people) and give an oral presentation.... It's a 4 minute long monologue that I have to act out - how do I not freak out?! I'm a very nervous person and usually end up stuttering when I'm nervous... Any advice? Most of the people in my class are very attractive so imagining them naked/in their underwear could have some fairly negative physiological side effects (especially if I wear tight clothing). Seriously though, any ideas? I think that I may take a shot or two of a strong alcohol or get my hand on some pot if possible ?is this a bad idea? Any particular drink to get? Hmmm?
 

TMPadmin

Golden Member
Jul 23, 2001
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Break wind half way thought. Make sure to load up on beans, prunes and have someone punch you in the testicles about 1 hour before.
 

DurocShark

Lifer
Apr 18, 2001
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Switch occasionally from oral to ana... nevermind. heh

Seriously, don't use any drugs or alcohol. It will make it worse.

Look over their heads while speaking. Look at the back wall or something. Scan from side to side as you speak. It seems to the audience that you're looking at them, but you never have to actually make eye contact.
 

Miramonti

Lifer
Aug 26, 2000
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don't get caught with alcohol on your breath. anyhow thats for woosies. just go out there and have fun.
 
Mar 15, 2003
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Originally posted by: notfred
Why the hell are you taking theater classes if you're nervous in front of people?

I'm taking theater DIRECTION.. I'm a film major and think theater DIRECTION would help.. The first assignment for theater DIRECTION is directing yourself in a monologue.. That's why I have to do this...
 

pulse8

Lifer
May 3, 2000
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Don't worry about being nervous.

If you're shaking while you're down there, she might enjoy it more.
 

LOLyourFace

Banned
Jun 1, 2002
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Originally posted by: TMPadmin
Break wind half way thought. Make sure to load up on beans, prunes and have someone punch you in the testicles about 1 hour before.

hahaha you made me laugh out loud.. now everyone is looking at me in the lab... you bastard.. ;)
 
Mar 15, 2003
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I knew most of you fucktards would go on Beavis and Butthead inspired rants because I used the word "ORAL".. how typical...
 
Mar 15, 2003
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Originally posted by: DurocShark
Look over their heads while speaking. Look at the back wall or something. Scan from side to side as you speak. It seems to the audience that you're looking at them, but you never have to actually make eye contact.

That's actually a pretty good idea.. that and a shot of jack d's....
 

pulse8

Lifer
May 3, 2000
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Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212
I knew most of you fucktards would go on Beavis and Butthead inspired rants because I used the word "ORAL".. how typical...

Maybe so, but I can do an oral presentation without freaking out. :)


Edit: Both kinds. :p
 

Originally posted by: pulse8
Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212
I knew most of you fucktards would go on Beavis and Butthead inspired rants because I used the word "ORAL".. how typical...

Maybe so, but I can do an oral presentation without freaking out. :)


Edit: Both kinds. :p

Ouch!
Two points for the bad guy...;)
 
Mar 15, 2003
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Originally posted by: pulse8
Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212
I knew most of you fucktards would go on Beavis and Butthead inspired rants because I used the word "ORAL".. how typical...

Maybe so, but I can do an oral presentation without freaking out. :)


Edit: Both kinds. :p

I honestly don't care what you and your boyfriend do in the privacy of your own motor home..... Ever hear of don't ask, don't tell?
 

pulse8

Lifer
May 3, 2000
20,860
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Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212
Originally posted by: pulse8
Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212
I knew most of you fucktards would go on Beavis and Butthead inspired rants because I used the word "ORAL".. how typical...

Maybe so, but I can do an oral presentation without freaking out. :)


Edit: Both kinds. :p

I honestly don't care what you and your boyfriend do in the privacy of your own motor home..... Ever hear of don't ask, don't tell?

Uh oh, the "I hate Beavis and Butthead inspired fvcktards" just stooped to gay jokes.
 

rickn

Diamond Member
Oct 15, 1999
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look around the room before you start, find the hottest babes, then picture them naked.
 

CanOWorms

Lifer
Jul 3, 2001
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I used to be like that... had a course where I had to give presentations in front of the class several times. I learned that if I didn't worry or get nervous about the upcoming presentation then I did ok!
 

Spoooon

Lifer
Mar 3, 2000
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It helps to practice it before hand. And taking a shot of alcohol won't hurt you.

For me, if I have to do something like give a speech, it helps to be tired. So tired that I don't have the energy to be nervous. :)
 

TwinkleToes77

Diamond Member
Jul 13, 2002
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I hated doing presentations of any type.. failed Public speaking twice in university! lol

But when i finally made it through i figured out that the majority of people dont even care what you are doing or saying up there. I mean atleast to me I thought "well i dont pay attention to them, why would they pay attention to me?" and it helped me get through it finally!.
 

McCarthy

Platinum Member
Oct 9, 1999
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I'm like that too. Some people are naturally comfortable in front of crowds, others aren't, the former usually can't seem to understand that you can't just not be nervous. That or there's a conspiracy of misguided positively meant denial.

The only thing that's really worked for me is to take on a roll. If you're playing a character it's sort of obvious, but even when I'm giving a speech or other roles where I'm not actually playing someone else, I have to 'put on the character mask'. Rather than try to explain in too much detail how I do it I'll leave you with that as something to consider and find the way that works for you, if it does.