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How do I stop being so nervous when I have to present in front of a class?
How do I stop being so nervous when I have to present in front of a class?
Every time I have to present something in class I get nervous standing in front of everyone. My knees shake and my voice starts trembling and changing. I had to present yesterday and my knees were shaking in front of everyone and my voice was shaking. It was embarrassing. I know most of my classmates, I don't know why I get nervous. I can't just pretend Im presenting to one person either. Sometimes I get so nervous people Laugh at me. I have to present something again on next tuesday. Now I'm taking a speech class this semester, so I have to talk in front of the class and read sdon'thes and I dont want to be shaking and nervous, so how can I stop my knees and my voice from shaking?
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Want to answer more questions in the Miscellaneous category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Etiquette?
Before I retired I was in Sales and Marketing for over 30 years. I have had to give numerous presentations to both friendly and not so friendly crowds. To say the least it is challenging and I have never once been comfortable doing so. I will tell you this; it is harder to address a crowd of people who know you and know the subject you are presenting.
There is tons of advice on how to make yourself more comfortable when making a presentation. One of the most famous pieces of advice, I forget Who gave it, is; "to imagine everyone in the room but you are naked." That one didn't work for me.
What has always worked for me was finding a friendly pair of eyes in the crown. Then make eye contact with that pair of eyes and make the presentation to them as if you are having a conversation just between the two of you. Forget about the others in the room. If someone interrupts with a question. Stop your presentation, look that person in the eye, even if it is the teacher, and say I will take questions at the end of my presentation.
If it is the teacher that interrupts you, he or she will have to take note of your proper presentation technique for asking them to wait until your finished. What you are saying is that the answer may come before you finish your presentation. If it is a student; your teacher should again support you for proper presentation techniques.
Finding someone to talk to in the crowd of faces; Keeping your presentation on track by not allowing questions to distract you from your presentation are the keys to a successful presentation. When you know you will present successfully a lot of the nervousness goes away.
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Hi, this a problem a lot of people experience so rest assured you are not alone and this is a very normal and natural reaction. While it is a normal and natural reaction it is not one you have to put up with - you can change it!
I'm giving you the link to a book which is honestly fantastic. I know most self help books are useless and not worth the money but this one will help you I am sure. It is by a man called Paul McKenna - he is very well known in the UK.
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
try it!
take care!
Ashok
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I know exactly how you feel. Even after years of countless presentations and musical performances, I still get nervous going up in front of people to say or do something. It takes a lot of practice, but the best thing to do is to pretend that you're practicing your presentation and focus on making it the best one you've had rather then on the audience. Instead of giving people a reason to laugh, show off your confidence (there's some in everybody) and your knowledge. I hope this helped and good luck with all future presentations :)
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