Public speaking fears, how to overcome?

LegacyUser

Just need some quick advice for this if people have any.

I have a presentation on Monday and I am terrified. Even though it is only a few mins long, it is a art design project that we have to pitch, and i dunno I am gonna talk about it, as usually I like doing my art, let people critique to me privately in small numbers to see what they like and don't like, and it is usually unique.

I try to go outside the box, not into inappropriate waters, but just unique. So to actually do a presentation of my art in front of people terrifies me, as I just feel a majority of people won't get it, especially since there is one piece I am not happy with so I don't know what I will talk about for that.


I just want to know how to overcome it. I can't practise in front of people, because I am alone this weekend. A part of me is willing to take a small bit of alcohol beforehand, but I did that before for a presentation, and although nothing happened during it, it actually hit me during class and I felt dizzy and slurry. Thankfully no one noticed coz by the time class was over, my head was clear again. But be terrified to do it again, in case something bad does happen.


Is there any herbal remedies from a health shop that can work? I know there is Herbal Remedy but just wondering if there is any other alternatives?

jokettle

Some people find rescue remedy helpful, that could be worth a try.

Another option is to practice your presentation out loud in front of a mirror. This is the next best thing to presenting in front of others, since you don't have that option right now. You can get used to hearing yourself say the words you've prepared, with an audience in the form of your reflection. This tactic helped me enormously when I was preparing for a pretty huge oral exam (my PhD viva). It might feel silly at first, but stick with it!

Maybe also spend some time thinking of what kinds of questions or comments you can expect during/after the presentation, and prepare answers for them. You won't be able to predict them all, but any kind of preparation that helps you feel more confident in facing critique will really help you stay relaxed and focused.
Best of luck!

Littlekittylou

Bach's rescue remedy is good. Chamomile tea. Valerian. Lavender (anything with real lavender in it particularly smelling it. I have little silk pillow of lavender seeds that i put under my own pillow . You can make one from a pair of old tights I used to do that.) You can get lavender oil and burn it in an incense burner and you can put a little on a tissue and take it with you. Lemon Balm. Skullcap. Motherwort. St John'swort. (You must get that in a pharmacy now it can interfere with contraceptives)

Walks in the park. I call it forest bathing.

Dance.

EXERCISE. Seriously! Works especially cardio. Only thing is the more you do the more you need. Otherwise you get WIRED after a run!

Music especially classical or any relaxing music before. Put it into perspective. Prepare as much as you can without over doing it. Go out and get out of yourself you are doing all you can. Don't catastrphize and give yourself credit. You are doing park walks talking about it preparing as much as you can or whatever you do. If you know you are doing your best then that is all that matters.

And remember being HYPHY is not anxiety...sometimes anxiety is there to help you. WORK IT. Being hyphy is good! It gives you energy to buzz and wow them.

Out of the herbal remedies I mentioned I like lavender the best or lemon balm. Some people find it a bit heady though. Don't over do.

Also just steaming with plain water. With a towel over your head. Very like a sauna. I did that at one point have not in ages though.

Try going for a massage or an alternative treatment and just center.

Rubberchikken

Practice. Stand up and go through everything you want to say. You could record yourself if you want but tbh decide what you're going to say and practice saying it out loud over and over.

Remember you're good at your art and you like it. That will come across when you speak.
Best of luck

SPM1959

Definitely do not drink!

banquo

Littlekittylou wrote: »

EXERCISE. Seriously! Works especially cardio. Only thing is the more you do the more you need. Otherwise you get WIRED after a run!

^^^ +13,232. Go running the evening before and don't stop until you literally can't take another step. It literally uses up all the hormones that make you feel nervous. After I go for a long run I could be robbed at gunpoint by aliens and I literally would not be able to feel afraid. It's the most effective anxiety-killer.

As for tips, you can rehearse it over and over to give you confidence, but actually practice speaking the words out loud, that'll give you muscle memory.

Talking to the back of the room projects you better, and it's less nerve-wracking than making eye contact with the people in front of you,

Calibos

Investigate a Beta Blocker like Inderal for Public speaking anxiety.

P. Breathnach

Be honest with your audience. Start by telling them that you are out of your comfort zone speaking in public, but that you hope they will pay more attention to what you have to show to them than how nervous you are as a public speaker.

When you come to the piece you are not happy with, tell them the truth. Say why are are not quite happy with it, and tell them that you would welcome their comments. And make that true: constructive criticism is good.

AsianIrish

Join Toast master, it will help bro

evolving_doors

How'd't go? The learning's in the doing anyhow.