whats the best way to improve Public Speaking without losing your mind?

[USMC fighter]

I visualize the whole thing in my head the night before, picture it going smooth as silk, seems to help. good luck!!

 

[Sub-Zero]

i think the best way to improve your public speaking IS
to lose your mind

thats sort of true, but the last time i did a presentation i kept laughing so much that i got a 0 in the presentation catagory and got a C anyway.

i was laughing so hard i couldnt even talk, i think someone spiked my water with crack

 

[tbuz67]

For me, its practice, practice, practice. By the time I'm done practicing, I have everything down, from how I'm going to pronounce each word to hand gestures. I know which words I'm going to emphasize, where I'm going to pause, all that stuff. And for some reason, I always feel better when I'm holding something in my hand. So I will hold a pen in my hand like I'm going to write something if I need to during the speech. No one notices.
And if I notice that my voice sounds shaky as I start out, I will speak louder. That will usually clear that up.
And also keep in mind, what would you be doing if you were in the audience, instead of doing the speech? Some people may be doodling, or may be lost in their own thoughts, others may be nodding off, while others may be watching the clock because they have big plans for the evening. Point is, they are NOT all sitting there transfixed on you, critiquing your every move. This assumption is what makes many people get nervous, I think.
And remember, giving a good speech isn't something to be embarrassed about. Getting up there, speaking clearly, and making eye contact is something that most people will look at with envy.
Its when you get up there, not wanting to try because you are afraid to look foolish, is when you actually look foolish. Starting to giggle, rolling your eyes because you don't want to be there, sighing because you don't want to be there, clowning around because you don't want to be there, I've seen all these things. If your in a speech class and see people doing this stuff what goes through everyone's minds? Something like, "Just hurry up and get on with it!"
And if you have some attractive females in the crowd, thats an extra boost. It gives you more push to do a great job. Its a lot more impressive to get up there and give a good performance, than to get up there and fumble around. You exhume self-confidence, and people notice it, even if you did fake it.

 

[Agathe]

For me, its practice, practice, practice. By the time I'm done practicing, I have everything down, from how I'm going to pronounce each word to hand gestures. I know which words I'm going to emphasize, where I'm going to pause, all that stuff. And for some reason, I always feel better when I'm holding something in my hand. So I will hold a pen in my hand like I'm going to write something if I need to during the speech. No one notices.
And if I notice that my voice sounds shaky as I start out, I will speak louder. That will usually clear that up.
And also keep in mind, what would you be doing if you were in the audience, instead of doing the speech? Some people may be doodling, or may be lost in their own thoughts, others may be nodding off, while others may be watching the clock because they have big plans for the evening. Point is, they are NOT all sitting there transfixed on you, critiquing your every move. This assumption is what makes many people get nervous, I think.
And remember, giving a good speech isn't something to be embarrassed about. Getting up there, speaking clearly, and making eye contact is something that most people will look at with envy.
Its when you get up there, not wanting to try because you are afraid to look foolish, is when you actually look foolish. Starting to giggle, rolling your eyes because you don't want to be there, sighing because you don't want to be there, clowning around because you don't want to be there, I've seen all these things. If your in a speech class and see people doing this stuff what goes through everyone's minds? Something like, "Just hurry up and get on with it!"
And if you have some attractive females in the crowd, thats an extra boost. It gives you more push to do a great job. Its a lot more impressive to get up there and give a good performance, than to get up there and fumble around. You exhume self-confidence, and people notice it, even if you did fake it.

A+

 

[Phaded]

i hate public speaking.. i'd prob. do some crazy shit to get out of a speech..

 

[needtogrow]

In one word


XANAX

 

[fogg88]

If nervousness or stage-fright is an issue, ask your doctor to write you a script for Propanolol. ...beta-blocker heart med, but it will block all the physical effects of stage-fright, like butterflies, trembling hands, wavering voice, etc.

 

[-SD-]

If nervousness or stage-fright is an issue, ask your doctor to write you a script for Propanolol. ...beta-blocker heart med, but it will block all the physical effects of stage-fright, like butterflies, trembling hands, wavering voice, etc.

No shit? How hard is that to get? And will it have to be a crutch every time I speak or could I just use it for a while until Im good at PS then stop taking it without reverting back to stage fright? thanks bor

 

[KillahBee]

If nervousness or stage-fright is an issue, ask your doctor to write you a script for Propanolol. ...beta-blocker heart med, but it will block all the physical effects of stage-fright, like butterflies, trembling hands, wavering voice, etc.

that sounds like the worst advice ever - take drugs if you are nervous. it's not a fucking medical condition.

 

[fogg88]

No shit? How hard is that to get? And will it have to be a crutch every time I speak or could I just use it for a while until Im good at PS then stop taking it without reverting back to stage fright? thanks bor

Shouldn't be hard at all; it's actually pretty commonly-prescribed for public speakers. There's no real abuse potential. Not really a crutch, since it doesn't affect you mentally... it'll just get rid of the physical symptoms of your nervousness, so you can focus more on your presenting. ...you may still be nervous, but it won't show. Once you're more comfortable in front of people, I'm sure you could ditch it.

If you google "stage fright propranolol", you'll get all kinds of hits on it. Here's just one of them: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=6120650&dopt=Abstract