public speaking

LegacyUser

I have confidence issues for which I am currently in counselling. I have started college this year and finding it difficult but have been lucky to have a very understanding professor. I approached him early on and told him I was uncomfortable with public speaking and confidence. He was good to talk to about this and assured me I dont have to make an active participation in class. We have a presentation coming up soon and he has told me that I dont need to it if I dont feel ready. I want to do it but dont know if I will be able.
I also wonder what the rest of the class will think if I dont do it. I feel lucky that I have the option but wish I wasnt so debilitated by my lack of confidence.

Any advice here on what I should do?
Thanks!

Stheno

I'm at the opposite end of you, in that I make a living by talking to audiences as a trainer/presenter.

First off, have you ever done it? Is it the thoughts of it that make you dread it?

I used dread talking, and got awful wobbles doing it, then I realised that I was merely a medium for the message I was trying to get across and I knew what that was.

Knowing what you are talking about and not having to worry about that is a massive boost.

As regards fear of the audience, find crutches, I present using a clicker so it occupies my hands, I'm one of those people who talks with my hands, so I've learned to use that too.

Flipcharts can help if you are explaining a long concept too.

Finally, when I'm presenting to a group of 20 plus, they tend to be invisible to me, far too many to focus on, so I pick one or two who look friendly and present as if I am talking to them one to one

HTH

Reesy

I'm no expert but I too learned confidence in public speaking after being bad at it.

My tip: if you are nervous presenting, write out your section of the presentation word for word (or at least in bullet points), and learn it. Practice. Maybe even record yourself. It's a lot of work but once you learn it and have your notes, you should be able to recall it under stress.

Get another of your group to 'chair' the presentation and manage the questions, if you can.

The first time, just take a small part of the topic to present.

Good luck!

unreggd

It just takes practice and adjustment

I still hate doin presentations in college, but at the same time I like the 'challenge' cos I know it'll help me relax and improve more

ted1

I have a slight speech problem, basically I speak to fast and no one can undetstand me. As a result I'm extremely nervous when talking to large groups and the problem gets worse. Whai find works for me is
1. Being well prepared and known what I am talking about. This gives me confidence.
2. I use my hands to pace myself and gestures.
3. The use of aids such as power point this helps takes the attention off me. It also helps me if I panic as I can see where I am.
4. Finally practice over and over.

OrlaOrla

learn it off,just imagine you are telling a few friends a story,use your hands and you'l come across as natural. when you get it done(and it will be very quick) you'l feel fantastic for mastering something that worried you.I've been there too but I actually got a kick out of it!

Piglet85

Do it, OP. I've been there - I absolutely HATED doing presentations as a student. It completely terrified me; I wouldn't sleep for the nights leading up to it, and would be shaky and really freaked out leading up to it. So I do know how you feel. Unfortunately, though, I really believe that for those of us who are not naturally comfortable with public speaking, the only way to get over the fear is through practice, practice, practice.

I'm still not an entirely comfortable public speaker. However, I've been teaching university tutorials now for two years, and I manage to keep that fact under wraps. Every time I speak in public, it gets that little bit easier. Both my Mam and my Grandfather, on the other hand, also had this fear when they were younger, and they have massive regrets about how they allowed it to hold them back in life. Don't let that happen to you.

mikemac1

Gets easier everytime, you just have to work at it.
Do it enough times and you may well learn to enjoy it

Maybe have a go at recording yourself OP and playing it back
Many people have crutches and verbal ticks and you can find yours
Like some people put "you know" at the end of every sentence but never realize it.
Corkonians are known for their add-ons boi :P

It's tough the first time but keep at it OP
Like most things, you put in the work and you'll improve. Sit back and never try and you'll be starting the same thread in four years when you start your career