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

[Wingznut]

Originally posted by: notfred
Why the hell are you taking theater classes if you're nervous in front of people?

Maybe to get better at speaking in front of people? It's a very poor strategy to limit yourself only to experiences that you are 100% comfortable in.

I find myself speaking in front of anywhere between 15-40 people quite often at work. I'm always a bit nervous, but I think the only time where I had a serious problem with it, was when I wasn't prepared. I didn't go over my presentation prior to giving it, nor did I go over the possible questions.

I'll never make that mistake again.

(The moral of the story is: Be prepared.)

 

[lokiju]

drugs

 

[richardycc]

you need to figure out what is causing you to freaking out first, like if you are afraid of making a fool out of yourself in front of that hot chick that sits in the front row, just go up and talk to her a few classes beforehand. Once you know that she knows you are not a freak under normal situation, you will feel more comfortable doing a presentation. Most of the time, its all in your head! good uck!

rich

 

[Rage187]

think about Yoko Ono nude.

 

[anno]

here.. Tips on public speaking

 

[Ogg]

Originally posted by: DurocShark
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.

Yep good advice and practice, practice, practice in front of your friends and in front of a mirror.

 

[m2kewl]

tell her to close her legs

 

[InverseOfNeo]

Practice a lot....if you practiced it 40 times, then one more time in front of people wont matter at all
Preparation...make sure you do everything you can in order to prepare for it
Prevent Poor Performance....take a deep breathe before starting, dont drink soda before as the carbonation would have an effect on you, drink water if you need to.

That tip about looking in the back of the room is good.

 

[Mutilator]

Just go ahead and vomit early. It's a good ice breaker and you'll be much more relaxed once you get it out of your system.

I was never really a good crowd speaker either... maybe that's why I never took a theater class?

 

[ragazzo]

dress up in a clown suit

 

[z0mb13]

its only 4 minutes... that goes by REAAALLL fast

 

[LS20]

well, its too late now, but next time be more social and get to know all your classmates so you wont feel such a stranger... then it'll be like speaking to a group of friends

 

[gistech1978]

do you critique everyone that gets in front of the class?
do you call them out after they are done and tell them how horrible they did up there?
does the professor/teacher berate you for not speaking clearly or stuttering?
i doubt that these things are happening
get up there and do it, no need to be nervous.
i know it sucks, but you know, everyone in that class is in the same boat as you.
they dont want to do it either.
some people make eye contact, most just look down when you are speaking.