Fear of presentations

Graduate School
1

<p>Hello Fellow students!!!! My name is Tammy and I have a really big problem giving class presentations. I have had a fear of public speaking since I was a young girl and I can’t get rid of it. When I get in front of the class I just panic, my heart starts racing, and all I can do is read the slides from the power point. When I finish I feel like such a disappointment for a while after. I’ve done about 50 presentations in my life and im the worse ever. I prepare myself and practice ahead of time…….. I have a Graduate Degree, and I am working on a second Masters Degree so I have been feeling like this for a while.</p>

<p>Despite my phobia, I have forced myself to tolerate public speaking and fight the pain, but it’s so hard. I don’t show my panic on the outside, but it kills me on the inside when I’m presenting. </p>

<p>It seems like other people are so freaking good at presenting, and knowledgeable, and perfect! How did they get so good???????????? </p>

<p>What can I do to improve myself and relieve the anxiety? I really need some help and im feeling so inadequate and discouraged!!!!!!</p>

2

<p>Mainly, I just think 'I want to be like THEM!" Then I visualize myself as one of THEM when I’m speaking.</p>

<p>This is stupid to think about it but it works to walk in and feel like a know-it-all, even if you don’t know everything about that subject. If you can act with confidence that you know your stuff, it will show.</p>

3

<p>I tell myself that they want to hear what I have to say and that I am very interesting.</p>

4

<p>Practice, check out toastmasters. They are on every campus and they make public speaking so routine that you don’t get a chance to freak out about it.</p>

5

<p>What helps me give a talk is that I realize most of the audience a) doesn’t care or b) Won’t understand regardless of how well I give the talk. Therefore, I’m relaxed and give the talk I want to give.</p>

6

<p>second toastmasters, it has help people I know. Consider a visit to a therapist who uses cognitive therapy. Or even reputable hypnotist. Perhaps a 3 pronged approach?</p>