Post by underwaterrhymes on Dec 21, 2013 19:09:35 GMT -5
Practice at home. To your spouse. To your kids or pets. To Barbies and stuffed animals. Just get really comfortable with what you want to say so you're not fumbling for words. Practice. Practice. And practice some more. But it's key to make sure you're not just practicing for yourself, but for others - even if they're inanimate objects.
Post by fuckyourcouch on Dec 21, 2013 19:11:20 GMT -5
Practice. Be 100% comfortable with what you're talking about. Talk slowly and clearly. Ask someone like your h for feedback about what your filler words are (uh, like, um, etc) and practice to avoid them. Make eye contact with your audience.
As nerve wracking as it may be to you, you may also want to take a video of yourself during a practice session. It could help you refine it before you give the presentation.
Post by hungrycaterpillar on Dec 21, 2013 19:22:22 GMT -5
As everyone says - practice. practice. practice. Try and do it in a number of different areas: in front of your bathroom mirror, in front of family, and run through your speech while you are doing day to day things (washing dishes, walking the dogs, etc. etc). Make it part of your daily routine and you'll find that speaking will come naturally when the time comes.
This is probably easier said than done, I understand - but you'll be great!
I always pretend I'm acting. Like, if I can just act out this presentation then it's not really coming from me but a character I'm playing. Dumb but it works for me.
I do it every day withy students, but when it comes to talking to a room full of adults/parents, I get really nervous. Once I start though, I relax and feel like I do ok.
How long do you have before the panel? If you've got the time or if you're going to have to do it again in the future, you might want to consider joining a Toastmasters group. H really hates public speaking and always had trouble with it, but Toastmasters helped a lot. He still doesn't love it, but he can stand in front of a couple of hundred people and present things at work now which is a HUGE improvement.
Post by littlepeanut on Dec 21, 2013 19:54:01 GMT -5
Ditto everyone else with the practice. You need to have it down cold. Also, do some deep breathing exercises five minutes before you have to speak. That always helps me. Good luck!
Post by revolution on Dec 21, 2013 20:03:21 GMT -5
It depends what I am speaking about. If I am taking about my job or training a room full of people, I kick ass. If I am standing in front if a group if people and doing a speech on a subject I am not confident in , then I suck. I am also the opposite of others, I need to have a rough outline and idea of what I am speaking about. If I am too regimented or practice a lot, I get all nervous and try too hard to follow exactly what I think I should say and if I get a little off then I am all kinds of flustered. That's why I can't practice too much.
Post by karmasabiotch on Dec 21, 2013 20:14:42 GMT -5
Only about very specific work things at my last job. I worked and have volunteered there for over 11 years so I can launch into a presentation about domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse at a moments notice to a filled room. Not exactly life of the party stuff.
I hate public speaking. I 'm conscious of every movement in my face and it feels exaggerated x10.
Also, if you're going to be taking question, try to think through what people will ask you so you can prepare answers in advance. Especially if you think there will be difficult questions. And if there is a question that will be a really difficult one to answer, have the answer ready and a planned way to get yourself back on track.
i think practice is key - but not the kind of practice that people are talking about in here. like, yes, you should practice for this speaking engagement without a doubt! but i feel like i only became good at public speaking after doing it a lot. you know? the more you do it, the easier it gets.
if this is something you'd like to hone, why not join toastmasters?
also - one tip to ease your fears; sometimes when i listen to even the worst public speakers, i always find myself admiring them for doing it in the first place (yes, even when they aren't great at it). so, i just try to remember that and think that when i am up there being the speaker, so many people listening are just happy it's not them, and aren't really judging me. if that makes sense.
Yes! Exactly. I'm always thinking, "You are doing such a good job, just keep going!!"
Post by hisno1girl on Dec 21, 2013 20:48:52 GMT -5
Practice and remember to speak slowly and clearly pronounce your words. Thinks of how "You are going to have to" sounds instead of "you're gonna hafta"
I am some strange freak who loves public speaking.
"Why would you ruin perfectly good peanuts by adding candy corn? That's like saying hey, I have these awesome nachos, guess I better add some dryer lint." - Nonny
You've received a lot of great advice (practice). For me, that entails writing out what I want to say, anticipating questions and writing out my response, and having confidence in my ability. Don't worry you'll rock this!
Post by Monica Geller on Dec 21, 2013 21:00:56 GMT -5
You've gotten some really good advice here. The only thing I'd add is to speak slower than you think you should, especially if you're mic'ed. Also remember to breathe! It's okay to go slow and take good breaths. You'll do great!