ughh i dropped the class… I just realized I also have a midterm tomorrow as well which i havent been studying for… but really just a excuse to avoid doing the speech /cry lol.
Every year I’m the host of our school’s graduation ceremony which is also recorded onto DVD for all the families.
I think one thing that helps is to learn to enjoy the thrill of public speaking. I know that sounds silly, but anything that is difficult but respected like good oratory can become easier once you find the thrill in doing it.
I guess it would be like a powerlifting meet (which I don’t participate in) where you would gain “strength” from the crowd itself.
But don’t ask me if a powerlifter would then make a good public speaker!
I used to be terrified but I’m getting better.
My friend who did debate told me “Don’t give a shit,” which was ultimately good advice.
I often have to speak on technical subjects. Your IQ drops when you get in front of people, so PLAN for that, and only expect to speak on things you understand cold. Your audience probably can’t follow the difficult parts anyhow. (No, really. Even an audience of the smartest people in the world can’t assimilate too much technical stuff in a live presentation. Up to a point, the simpler the better.)
You’re not selling yourself, you’re explaining your material. That gets the fear out of it. It’s not “Am I good enough? Am I good enough?” It’s just “Here’s this interesting topic I’d like to tell you about.” Focus on communicating. Your goal is to get them to understand your material. It has nothing to do with you.
Also, bad self-confidence is usually undeserved. Talk to sane people who know you and you may find they see good qualities in you. It’s happened to me.
opehta, you pussy.
You’ve worried yourself to this point, you drop it, and will just have to do it all again soon.
It’s like the dentist, get it over with and once you do, you’ll realize it’s not that bad and at least it’s out the way (for now)