Public Speaking Fear. Help?!?!

[TERRABITHIA]

So, this semester (my 2nd) in college, I am taking Speech 101. I am required to take it and I just want to get it over. Ever since I was in middle school, I have been terrified of public speaking. I have very bad stage fright and cannot stand to speak in front of a large group of people. I plan to major in Teaching so I realize I will have to lose the fear at some point but if anyone else has the same problem, do you have any tips that would help me get overcome this?

[wroteurname]

picture the cutest girl suckin on yo ballsack

[industrialbelt]

just do the work for the class

[mogley]

just get up there and do it man. its really not as bad as you think. half the kids in your class arent even going to be paying attention to what youre saying cause theyre gonna be worried about their own speech. so just take a step back and look at the situation for what it is, youre just talking to kids in your class, man up.

[mogley]

or picture the cutest girl in your class sucking on your ballsack

[Ava1anche]

I know pretty much exactly what you're going through. I've always been terrified of giving speeches, just hated them. I still do, but I had to take a public speaking class in college (required) and although I hated going up every time to give a speech, I've noticed that I'm not as nervous when I give speeches/presentations now, although I am still pretty nervous, it has gotten a little bit better.

[StormsOfWinter]

what are you afraid of?

...that they're going to judge you? Who cares, why do you place so much value on their opinion? They probably aren't even thinking about you so much as they are being glad that it's not their turn. Even if they are judging you, fuck them...judge them right back if you want to waste your time, or just let it roll right off you, their opinion doesn't matter.

are you worried you'll screw up? Know your material, practice it...be the expert at it, then you can say what you're going to say with CONFIDENCE. If they make you just stand up and talk about things on the spot...pretend to be an expert anyway. Don't feel that you have to fill in the silence and just keep everyone entertained with a constant stream of interesting things to say. Just take your time, it's your show, you're in control...pause if you need to, think about your next words...then deliver them at your own pace. Even if you're not confident, pretend you are...convince yourself you are.

Personally, I found that the biggest hurdle with public speaking was just having the confidence to do it.

I was the type of person that would finish a test with a shitty broken pencil because I was so afraid of being the center of attention that I did not dare get up to sharpen it. It would be noisy, I'd be the only movement and everyone would notice me. The times when I had no choice, my steps would be unsteady, I felt a million eyes on me, I felt judged, I hated it.

Then I grew some fuckin' balls, and said "OH YEAH?" and started doing whatever it is I'm going to do with confidence.

The thing that really helped me was having a purpose for doing it. There's something I value that forces me into this position, so I will put aside my discomfort, my feelings, MY MY MY everything and realize that it's for a greater purpose. Something bigger than me requires me to do this, and I'd be useless if I can't contribute because of my selfish desire to stay in my comfort zone.

In your case, if you want to be a good teacher and you want the chance to help some kids reach their potential...then stop thinking about yourself and how you feel. You know that this is something you need to do for them. Even more urgent is the fact that you need to pass this class long before you'll be teaching anybody.

So get it done, you have a mission...and it's more important than you being happy and comfortable in your private little bubble.

[kaycey]

i'm just going to go ahead and suggest Anal.
don't be a pussy.

[TERRABITHIA]

what are you afraid of?

...that they're going to judge you? Who cares, why do you place so much value on their opinion? They probably aren't even thinking about you so much as they are being glad that it's not their turn. Even if they are judging you, fuck them...judge them right back if you want to waste your time, or just let it roll right off you, their opinion doesn't matter.

are you worried you'll screw up? Know your material, practice it...be the expert at it, then you can say what you're going to say with CONFIDENCE. If they make you just stand up and talk about things on the spot...pretend to be an expert anyway. Don't feel that you have to fill in the silence and just keep everyone entertained with a constant stream of interesting things to say. Just take your time, it's your show, you're in control...pause if you need to, think about your next words...then deliver them at your own pace. Even if you're not confident, pretend you are...convince yourself you are.

Personally, I found that the biggest hurdle with public speaking was just having the confidence to do it.

I was the type of person that would finish a test with a shitty broken pencil because I was so afraid of being the center of attention that I did not dare get up to sharpen it. It would be noisy, I'd be the only movement and everyone would notice me. The times when I had no choice, my steps would be unsteady, I felt a million eyes on me, I felt judged, I hated it.

Then I grew some fuckin' balls, and said "OH YEAH?" and started doing whatever it is I'm going to do with confidence.

The thing that really helped me was having a purpose for doing it. There's something I value that forces me into this position, so I will put aside my discomfort, my feelings, MY MY MY everything and realize that it's for a greater purpose. Something bigger than me requires me to do this, and I'd be useless if I can't contribute because of my selfish desire to stay in my comfort zone.

In your case, if you want to be a good teacher and you want the chance to help some kids reach their potential...then stop thinking about yourself and how you feel. You know that this is something you need to do for them. Even more urgent is the fact that you need to pass this class long before you'll be teaching anybody.

So get it done, you have a mission...and it's more important than you being happy and comfortable in your private little bubble.

^^^ Everything you said, I appreciate a lot. I will remember all of this. And definitely say fuck what people think. If I am prepared and confident, I really should have no problem. Thank you sir.

[StormsOfWinter]

You're very welcome.

Just keep in mind that there is no quick fix...you will have to keep reminding yourself of all of this stuff. You'll have to be very stubborn with yourself about faking the confidence until you actually have it.

Rest assured, you will get there if you keep trying for it.

[samsara]

Picture yourself fucking the teacher.

[Samc1803]

picture the cutest girl suckin on yo ballsack

or picture the cutest girl in your class sucking on your ballsack

Picture yourself fucking the teacher.

Then he'll have to speak in front of a large group with a boner. And that can only turn out one of two ways - horrible, or the best speech ever given in the history of speeches. Four score and seven inches ago.

[concernedparent]

Picture yourself fucking the teacher.
It's a great way to not forget your speech.

[Domenic182]

Just imagine a girl sucking on your balls.

[StrictlyBiznas]

Picture yourself fucking the teacher.

What if his teacher is also a guy?

[panties_nz]

what are you afraid of?

...that they're going to judge you? Who cares, why do you place so much value on their opinion? They probably aren't even thinking about you so much as they are being glad that it's not their turn. Even if they are judging you, fuck them...judge them right back if you want to waste your time, or just let it roll right off you, their opinion doesn't matter.

are you worried you'll screw up? Know your material, practice it...be the expert at it, then you can say what you're going to say with CONFIDENCE. If they make you just stand up and talk about things on the spot...pretend to be an expert anyway. Don't feel that you have to fill in the silence and just keep everyone entertained with a constant stream of interesting things to say. Just take your time, it's your show, you're in control...pause if you need to, think about your next words...then deliver them at your own pace. Even if you're not confident, pretend you are...convince yourself you are.

Personally, I found that the biggest hurdle with public speaking was just having the confidence to do it.

I was the type of person that would finish a test with a shitty broken pencil because I was so afraid of being the center of attention that I did not dare get up to sharpen it. It would be noisy, I'd be the only movement and everyone would notice me. The times when I had no choice, my steps would be unsteady, I felt a million eyes on me, I felt judged, I hated it.

Then I grew some fuckin' balls, and said "OH YEAH?" and started doing whatever it is I'm going to do with confidence.

The thing that really helped me was having a purpose for doing it. There's something I value that forces me into this position, so I will put aside my discomfort, my feelings, MY MY MY everything and realize that it's for a greater purpose. Something bigger than me requires me to do this, and I'd be useless if I can't contribute because of my selfish desire to stay in my comfort zone.

In your case, if you want to be a good teacher and you want the chance to help some kids reach their potential...then stop thinking about yourself and how you feel. You know that this is something you need to do for them. Even more urgent is the fact that you need to pass this class long before you'll be teaching anybody.

So get it done, you have a mission...and it's more important than you being happy and comfortable in your private little bubble.

great advice.

definitely know your shit as much as possible! will do wonders for your confidence.

practice aloud.

good luck :)

[Jennurna Gray]

Fuck. Just do it.

[gregisonfire]

So, this semester (my 2nd) in college, I am taking Speech 101. I am required to take it and I just want to get it over. Ever since I was in middle school, I have been terrified of public speaking. I have very bad stage fright and cannot stand to speak in front of a large group of people. I plan to major in Teaching so I realize I will have to lose the fear at some point but if anyone else has the same problem, do you have any tips that would help me get overcome this?

As someone who is starting his student teaching in less than a month, I'm going to go ahead and give you some bad news, homeboy. If you are this afraid of speaking in front of a classroom of people your own age who honestly don't care (how many times have you paid attention during other people's presentations in class? I usually just try to fight sleep) how are you going to teach to a room of potentially volatile, disrespectful, and hormonal children? You may what to rethink that career choice.

[shimmyshakes]

1. just do it. it'll get easier as you talk.
2. think about something funny before you get up there. get relaxed. listen to some comedy. laugh.

[GhostFight]

hm i cant help too much because ive always felt pretty natural with public speaking. the best advice i can give is always make sure you know your topic (or whatever your talking about) well enough that you don't need to read off of any cards or even think about what your saying, prepare yourself so that you know your subject well enough that the words can come out naturally.

also, have fun with what your doing. some people get scared when all eyes are on them, but look at it as more of an opprotunity to be heard, and impress your classmates.

have fun!

[DeadCityScars]

I was terrified when I took speech too. ANYTHING seemed better than passing this class. including dropping out, haha. But I got through it.

What helped me? Well, as usual I resorted to chemical aids like smoking cigarettes, a dash of weed, even a shot or two (I had to make three speeches thru-out the semester). None of that helped. Moments before, it still felt like I was slowly dying inside.

But when I got up there, things changed. suddenly, it wasn't as bad. I was looking at these people and I thought 'they are my peers, not my superiors'. in fact, you are the superior.


My advice: Glance at your notes if you get overly nervous. Stare straight ahead and not at anyone directly.

[k0d1ak]

OP: As someone that teaches public speaking 101 (well its 1100 here, but same thing) I can concur with some of what has been said already.
As far as not giving a fuck what your class thinks, imagining you are getting a hummer, etc. That's some funny advice but it won't help with the core problem and will result in you more than likely performing even worse.

DO know your shit. Public speaking is often times a primer for researching skills, so if you aren't reading up on your subject then you aren't doing it right. That is the kind of preparation that is key to being truly confident... not just memorizing the first 6ish minutes worth of shit you come up with.

DO talk to your instructor. I will assume that you are not going to an absolute shit school and the instructor will actually care if you express concern. This isn't to get you graded easier, but to let him/her know so that constructive feedback can be given with this in mind.

DO practice in front of the largest audience you can muster. Find people that are going to listen and then ask you questions and give you honest feedback afterward. Roommates, and even better random friends of roommates that you don't know all that well, are great for this.

Oh and again, assuming you aren't going to shit-town University, the instructor will provide opportunities to actively participate in class before you start doing the highly weighted speeches... TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK. The more you speak, answering questions and shit, the more comfortable you become with your classmates.

[sidewacker]

Try speaking in an Australian accent. I know it sounds lame, but I knew a kid in high school who was terrified of public speaking and he said it really helped. And it kept people interested, haha.

[arizonahotrock]

2 tips that helped me when I was going through this that weren't covered yet...

1) If it's not a pre-determined or random order...if the teacher asks for volunteers...GO FIRST. Not only does it make you look good in the teacher's eyes...it gets it over and done with so you don't have to sit there an entire class worrying about it.

2) Breathe.

Other than the serious advice you've been given so far, those are about the only other things you need to know.

[cuzimlefthanded]

What if his teacher is also a guy?

Still applies.

[Sic Transit Zeb]

So, this semester (my 2nd) in college, I am taking Speech 101. I am required to take it and I just want to get it over. Ever since I was in middle school, I have been terrified of public speaking. I have very bad stage fright and cannot stand to speak in front of a large group of people. I plan to major in Teaching so I realize I will have to lose the fear at some point but if anyone else has the same problem, do you have any tips that would help me get overcome this?

My only advice, is just know you're not the only one who is nervous. When I took speech, I was nervous plus so was everyone else. SO just do your best and no one will make fun of you. Everyone is nervous and some are more than others but who cares. Just get the best grade ya can. You'll be ok. Once you start the class, and see other people doing their speeches and how nervous they are, it becomes a lot easier.

[whiterussian]

funny how you want to become a teacher despite this. how did you set your sight on that?
good luck.

[TERRABITHIA]

funny how you want to become a teacher despite this. how did you set your sight on that?
good luck.
I love to work with people and I have a high tolerance. Also I ran cross-country in high school and want to coach on the side of teaching. I would also enjoy summer and holidays off, plus I want to choose a career that I can get a job in and there will always be openings to be a teacher. I believe that practice makes perfect and I just need to get more used to speaking publicly before I pursue teaching.

[AlkalineAshes]

xanax is the answer

[spansen]

i used to do that, but i think it had more to do with making sure i didn't forget something-- because i used to write and prepare a speech and then memorize it by reading it over and over and over again to myself..

now, i have a more relaxed approach.. when doing presentations, just give yourself an outline-- via notecard or powerpoint-- and then expand on whatever you wrote down there.. you know it.

[justletgo]

definitely know your topic well. if you don't that's when you get all jittery and nervous. put a lot of heart into your speech, it'll make it easy for the rest of the class to connect with you no matter what you're talking about, really. i already took speech first semester and hated it at first, but with some experience it became possibly my most interesting class. so, good luck! and being nervous about it is a good thing. at least you care!

[ReadyForAction]

Act like you own the place

[SincerelyMe]

xanax is the answer

Yep.

[pianorocklove]

Maybe I can help. I was the vice president of my high school speech and debate team, and had to take public speaking again in college.

1. Practice. And not just the night before you are giving your speech. Don't put practicing your speech off until the last minute. Really know what you are talking about, so if you find yourself not remembering what you had planned on saying, you can still bs your way through it.

2. No one is paying attention to what you're saying. Everyone else is either worrying about the speech they are about to give, their boyfriend, looking out the window...something. And no one is going to judge you, based solely on the fact that 99% of people don't want to be giving a speech as much as you don't want to.

3. Look people in the eye as you speak - it'll make you look like you're super confident. If you feel uncomfortable looking people in the eyes, look at their foreheads, instead.

3. Be comfortable in what you're wearing and the way you stand when speaking. Try to be as natural as possible - gestures, tone of voice, ect. Don't be afraid to walk around (but don't pace nervously!)!

4. Ask for help from your teacher if you need it.

5. Remember, everyone has to do it, so you're not alone. Try to make it fun and to take something out of it. Maybe you'll overcome your fear!

Good luck!!

[salt1384]

I have the same exact problem, except my techniques are different. I just look at my class and tell them "Okay, I'm nervous." They laugh and it makes me feel better. Needless to say it all works out fine, haha. I don't know if you could do that in college?
But anyways, I didn't always use that. I just say to myself that everyone else has to go through the EXACT same thing and so I'm not going to be judged any more than the next person, rgiht? Plus, why should I care about what the others think about me? (Also, I highly doubt they're all going to be paying attention..)
It's all a matter of being confident enough to go up there and say "You know what? I'm just gonna give my speech or present my presentation and I really don't give a fuck about what you think."
Also, when you're a teacher, kids aren't going to be looking to judge you. You're the teacher, it's your job.

P.S. If your students know that you listen to TSL, they'll probably think you're really cool...BONUS ;)

[TERRABITHIA]

Maybe I can help. I was the vice president of my high school speech and debate team, and had to take public speaking again in college.

1. Practice. And not just the night before you are giving your speech. Don't put practicing your speech off until the last minute. Really know what you are talking about, so if you find yourself not remembering what you had planned on saying, you can still bs your way through it.

2. No one is paying attention to what you're saying. Everyone else is either worrying about the speech they are about to give, their boyfriend, looking out the window...something. And no one is going to judge you, based solely on the fact that 99% of people don't want to be giving a speech as much as you don't want to.

3. Look people in the eye as you speak - it'll make you look like you're super confident. If you feel uncomfortable looking people in the eyes, look at their foreheads, instead.

3. Be comfortable in what you're wearing and the way you stand when speaking. Try to be as natural as possible - gestures, tone of voice, ect. Don't be afraid to walk around (but don't pace nervously!)!

4. Ask for help from your teacher if you need it.

5. Remember, everyone has to do it, so you're not alone. Try to make it fun and to take something out of it. Maybe you'll overcome your fear!

Good luck!!

I will definitely give your techniques a try. I really appreciate it a lot. Thanks bud.

[TERRABITHIA]

I have the same exact problem, except my techniques are different. I just look at my class and tell them "Okay, I'm nervous." They laugh and it makes me feel better. Needless to say it all works out fine, haha. I don't know if you could do that in college?
But anyways, I didn't always use that. I just say to myself that everyone else has to go through the EXACT same thing and so I'm not going to be judged any more than the next person, rgiht? Plus, why should I care about what the others think about me? (Also, I highly doubt they're all going to be paying attention..)
It's all a matter of being confident enough to go up there and say "You know what? I'm just gonna give my speech or present my presentation and I really don't give a fuck about what you think."
Also, when you're a teacher, kids aren't going to be looking to judge you. You're the teacher, it's your job.

P.S. If your students know that you listen to TSL, they'll probably think you're really cool...BONUS ;)

Haha. They probably will think I'm really cool since I listen to TSL. I don't think I'll have anything to worry about lol

[BozzBlonde]

Yeah, I know what you're going through. I had to take a speech class last semester.
Getting to know your classmates helps, so you're not really speaking in front of people you don't know and you are in a more comfortable environment. The same will probably apply for your future plans in teaching.

[cdoyle7]

So, this semester (my 2nd) in college, I am taking Speech 101. I am required to take it and I just want to get it over. Ever since I was in middle school, I have been terrified of public speaking. I have very bad stage fright and cannot stand to speak in front of a large group of people. I plan to major in Teaching so I realize I will have to lose the fear at some point but if anyone else has the same problem, do you have any tips that would help me get overcome this?

i get really nervous when i have to give a presentation. i shake pretty bad (especially my hands & legs) and get pretty red. I found that the best way prepare is to really know your material and get comfortable with the topic. I took a marketing class this semester that was all about presentations. By the end of the semester i felt like a totally different person when i got up infront of the class and my teacher noticed my improvement. practicing really does help!