I have to do a speech tonight

[chesirechik]

I finally went back to school to get my bachelors degree and the first class I had to take is Public Speaking!!

I have to give my first speech tonight and I havn't been in school for almost 7 years. I'm so nervous I'm practically shaking and class is still 4 hours away - I may not make it!

Anyone have any words of advice on how to calm down?? Right now I feel like I'm about to

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I used to like giving speeches. What is your topic?

I found that having visual aids helped me a little. That way, I could focus their attention for a short period on something else while I talked about the object. (just don't go overboard with the visuals)

I also thought about it like I was just talking to a room full of my friends, just in a more formal tone.

 

[monkeyboy]

Picture the crowd in their underwear

 

[missypie]

I give speeches to other lawyers and to trade groups, and folks always tell me I'm great. It's because I personally have a short attention span and get very bored during other people's speeches and just hate it when speakers take themselves and their subject matter too seriously. So I try to speak as plainly and humourously as it appropriate for the topic and never ever go overtime. You'll do great!

 

[chesirechik]

The speech had to be on a communication problem, 5 minutes long and we have to an outline for the Professor tonight. That's all we were told.

I did mine on Email communication and the problems that can happen. Hopefully it's what he wants. We aren't allowed to use any visual aids and are only allowed to have our outline in front of us.

Public Speaking is evil! Plus I don't know anyone in the class, this is only the third week of class. (I only have classes on Wednesdays)

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Are you going to be video taped? We had to bring in a tape and the teacher would record us giving our speeches. Then we were supposed to watch them and critic ourselves. I did not watch ANY of them. Couldn't do it, too painful! I just made stuff up that I needed to work on.

You will get more comfortable as time goes on. Just remember that everyone else is probably really nervous too and not really paying attention to your speech because they are worried about their own.

 

[mom2alix]

Keep in mind that everyone in that class is going to have to get up and give a speech too in the course of this class, so they're going to be on your side. They're all just as nervous as you are. You'll do fine. Good luck!

 

[chesirechik]

Originally posted by Jenn Lynn
Are you going to be video taped? We had to bring in a tape and the teacher would record us giving our speeches. Then we were supposed to watch them and critic ourselves. I did not watch ANY of them. Couldn't do it, too painful! I just made stuff up that I needed to work on.

I am going to be videotaped, but it's for a portfolio that I'll need to get into the next communications class. I hope he doesn't make us watch it - there is no way I could!! I'll be doing the same thing you did.

 

[liznboys]

Oh boy, I feel for you! I absolutely dreaded giving speeches!! I just always tried to remember that most of the others were just as nervous as I was, and they were too busy worrying about their own speech to worry about what I was doing up there! LOL Oh, and I always volunteered to go first, that way you get it overwith and can relax the rest of the time while the others are still shaking in their boots!

 

[ahutton]

I used to compete in Public Speaking, and have coached for many years.

Before you start, smile. It helps the audience relax.

While you are speaking, don't forget to breathe normally so you aren't choking out words or gasping for air.

Pick 5 people you are going to make eye contact with and speak at least 2 complete sentences to them (usually about 5 seconds) it makes the audience feel like you are talking to them and not at them.

As strange as it feels, if you are not making a gesture at that second, allow your arms to rest at your sides, and if you gesture allow your elbows to come away from your body. It feels strange but looks more natural.

My #1 rule is DON'T WORRY if your words don't come out exactly like you planned. The only person who knows your exact words you planned on using is you, unless you go back and talk over your own sentences.

If you have more than one point to make don't be afraid to take a few steps to one side or another while you are speaking as a physical transition to correspond to your speech transition.

Those are usually the first things we work on with students. It helps make you more personable and less "TV Anchor" like...

 

[DisneyAddict_M]

Originally posted by monkeyboy
Picture the crowd in their underwear

I did that for a 6th grade spelling bee and couldn't stop laughing. At least I wasn't nervous!

 

[beachbunny]

Boy do I feel for you. I'm also a nervous public speaker - but I do it for a living so I've had to get past it. I still get nervous each and every time I speak in public, but if you know your subject inside-out and have the first sentence memorized, things tend to flow on their own course. Good luck!

 

[TigerBear]

Public speaking is the single biggest fear - know that you are definitely not alone in your anxiety. Two suggestions:

1. Practice, practice, practice - the more confident you are with your material, the better you will likely do.

2. Change the way you are thinking about this experience. Tell yourself that you will do just fine tonight.

What is the worse thing that could happen if you mess up? I doubt it would be life-changing.

Best of luck to you!!!