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Hi,
I am a student pursuing MBA. Often I have to give Presenations in front of class.
I become very nervous and have stage fright. I am not able to speak fluently.
My entire efforts are wasted as because to nervousness I forget half of thing I planned to say.
Please suggest how to overcome this fear and be effective presentator as soon i will be joining the corporate world.
I've also heard that if you rush through speeches you can try imagining everything is in slow motion.
Here are the two tricks that have helped me greatly: (1) as you are getting nervous, think about it "I'm the back of yor head." Observe the fact that you are nervous and it magically gets better! (2) Secondly, remember that the audience DOES NOT KNOW what you plan to say. If you forget something, they will never know! Good luck - once you get comfortablel, I is really fun.
all of the above info is great. knowing your stuff will bring some confidence. i've always used index cards.
when i start, i look at foreheads, rather than eyes. once i get going, the eye contact is easier.
public speaking is hard for everyone. after awhile, when it's part of you job, you get used to it and it's no big deal.
Speaking in public is among the biggest fears people have - it is that common. Same in the performing arts (though naturally some real hams are drawn there). I have done a fair bit of both and the keys are preparation, practice, and experience.
Preparation is crucial - the more and clearer prepared - the more you can say "I know this" and the greater your confidence. Practice your presentation over, and over, and over. Do it with your partner, your cat, in the mirror wherever. Prep is emotional too learn to control your anxiety with preparation (I know this). Take a deep breath relax for a moment and carry on. Think about your audience in positive ways, as interested, friendly, understanding - work in a joke if appropriate.
Experience - there is no substitute for it nor way around it. With experience you feel more confident and natural, can recover from your boo boos 7 have perspective - hey - no one is going to die!!!
Hope that helps.
your
Listen sweetie, most people get nervous in front of crowds even famous celebs. The thing is i'm also a student who has to give presentations and i suck at it cuz i suffer with anxiety. i tremble i sweat my voice sticks i can't breathe. they say preparation is key and that's true but for those of us with real problems talking in front of crowds it would b worthhile to see a therapist to get to the bottom of your fright.In the meantime talk to ur doc. about beta blockers, they are used by musicians and ppl. who have to be on stage cuz they block all signs of nervousness. it will not take away your nerves but at least other ppl. will not be able to tell ur nervous, which will then help u feel more confident. Research beta blockers as they are not sold OTC and can only be obtained thru a prescription from your doc.
Good luck sweetie.
Key cards. Most people I knew in a travel and tourisum course use to find it hard, remembering what to say in the presentation. Some would go up with an entire A4 sheet with the entire ten minute presentation on it. (only one sheet, I know) I then sugested (as my english teacher sugested to me) why not write down the key words and/or subjects you wish to cover in the presentation. They will be small and easy to use. Like a knot in the hanky as it were. Simply done with about 4-8 small peices of card, papper cliped together.
As for the nervousness. Learn not to give a shit. Be a cocky fucker I guess. So long as you are sure that your information given at the presentation is ok then there is nothing to worrie about. Being comfortable with your appearance is a good thing too. So is personal hygene and health. If you look feel and smell good, are confident that your information is correct. You will not be nervous, im sure.
Stage fright is hard to overcome though... I think. Just stick to cards, you should get used to speaking infront of people eventuly.