<p>The main problem i have with public speaking is in English 2 Honors. I know all the answers clearly and they're in my head but right when the teacher calls on me, I freeze and then choke on my words..thus everyone thinks i'm a <a href="mailto:dumb@ss">dumb@ss</a>. Does anyone know how to fix this??? It's like my mind goes blank right when I'm about to say something and this is going to ruin my year if I continue to do this. Please help...someone</p>
<p>The only thing that's worked for me is just practicing. I joined debate club specifically to improve my public speaking skills. I found it really helped me, because often the only people in the room was a teacher (judge), and 3 other students, so it was easier to speak to a smaller audience.</p>
<p>Don't worry about making mistakes; everyone does, and by the next class, no one is going to remember that you said the wrong answer, or stuttered through it.</p>
<p>I used to have that problem, but that was in like 5th grade. Anyway, when I told someboy I was nervous/scared of it, somebody told me this: "why are you so nervous about it? THere's nothing to be scared of." actaully, i know that sounds so simple but if you tink about it, why are you so scared? there's really nothing to be scared of. tell yourself that your being scared of something that has no risks (eg you say a wrong answer, she will get ask someone else and everyone will forget about it in a day) well, it worked for me. Just reinforce that there's nothing to be afraid of...only fear itself (yea, corny but ture)</p>
<p>I was the quietest SOB all throughout elementary, middle, and beginning of high school. I simply couldn't get myself together in front of people- such as when the teacher calls on me for an answer.</p>
<p>I'm the smoothest talker ever now...I did it all by changing my attitude about myself. Don't question anything you know or are about to say- be COCKY as hell if you want, I sure can be. Arrogance may be seen negatively by some, but it sure can save your life in those situations.</p>
<p>all your advices are so helpful!!! Thanks so much guys!!</p>
<p>Just remember that what you've got to say is just as important as what everyone else has to say and you're good to go. :)</p>
<p>Public speaking is much easier when you maintain eye contact with a person. It then is more like a conversation.</p>
<p>So, when you are called upon, maintain eye contact with the teacher at all times. (You could even practice this after school, I'll bet the teacher would be willing to help). Just ignore everyone else and maintain eye contact with the teacher.</p>
<p>If another student askes you a question, or you are responding to another student, then maintain eye contact with that student and ignore everyone else.</p>
<p>If you happen to end up in front of the class, just pick someone in the class and maintain eye contact with that one person. Ignore everyone else. Then, after a reasonable time, switch your eye contact to a different person (ideally, elsewhere in the room). Continue to switch eye contact periodically, and everyone will feel that you are speaking individually to them.</p>
<p>Remember the basic rule: when speaking in public, always have eye contact with someone in your audience!</p>
<p>Adad, your advice is helpful. I have found thruough the years that even looking at people eye to eye can be dificult. I found that when I would make eye contact with just one eye it made it alot easier. Of course they cannot tell that you are making contact with one eye. Try it, it takes your mind off all the other fears you may have.</p>
<p>Prepparent, that is an interesting idea. If even that were too difficult for someone, then perhaps just looking at another facial feature, such as the nose or eyebrows, could be considered. </p>
<p>The basic idea, as I understand it, is to have a preplanned place to focus attention while speaking, so that the mind does not become confused and flustered by the receipt and acceptance of numerous extraneous stimuli.</p>
<p>In this case, don't think twice, raise your hand and then think about what you will say a coulple of time or more until you make yourself familiar with the feeling. If you volunteer to speak more often people will only respect you. Someone in my class barely speaks english, yet he answers all the questions with confidence and even explains things on the board. If he can do it , then why shouldn't you.</p>
<p>you're right!!!! I shouldn't care what others will think of me....maybe I should just answer the questions and if I get it wrong..who cares..atleast I participated</p>
<p>Ohcrap, that would be the easiest solution. However, I sense a deeper issue at play here.</p>
<p>to tell you the truth prepparent, if I am not completely sure of an answer I cannot share cause I'm scared I will get it wrong. But if I'm absolutely sure of answer then I would share with the class</p>
<p>ohcrap, I hope this helps......... It's OK to not know all the answers. Certainly it's OK to be wrong, but don't stop attempting to answer because you think you may not have the correct response and may appear stupid. Your'e not expected to know all the answers. Yuor'e a student who is learning. Even your teacher does not know all the answers. Who Does? Good Luck! More thn anything, I can assure you that your participation far more important then having the correct answers.</p>
<p>I had the same problem in the first week of school, as I was just getting to know the people in my class. Half of them belonged to a different set of English class last year, so I needed to acquaint myself with the kids first of all. Also, I'm usually confident when I speak, but not when I know nothing about what I'm talking about. This year, I procrastinated on the summer reading and didn't finish it on time (completely my fault). I read the first 150 pages of the 500-page book, so some of the questions I could answer but I was too afraid because the teacher might ask about the novel as a whole. After two days of not participating in class, I finally approached the teacher to admit that I hadn't finished the reading. I was relieved, because he said he was the same way as a student (where he had to force himself to finish a 500-page book in 2 days). Because my homework load was heavy, I finished the book in 3-4 days, but I'm glad my story had a happy ending. </p>
<p>I used to be very timid, because my brain was conditioned to think in my native language, so I've had to translate words in my head every time. I became more confident over the years, but I still have some hesitation from time to time, and my heart does beat fast when I raise my hand and realize that the teacher is about to call on me. You could try writing down your thoughts on paper first, if you are comfortable doing that. The most helpful advice I could give is to give public speaking a try, even if your reputation is at risk, even if your peers are highly intimidating and tend give out elaborate answers. Generally, I contribute to class discussions only when I have original insights to offer. Certain people overanalyze the book so much that their efforts sound contrived. Lol</p>
<p>I used to be the same -- I HATED raising my hand (and that sucks when your part of your grade is based on participation). I'm still kind of like that, but what I do now is I don't let myself overthink it. First, I just plan out what I'm going to say in my head. Then, I raise my hand before I can double-guess myself and just repeat it without letting myself think about the fact that I'm talking. Like people have said, it does get easier with time. Good luck!</p>
<p>gianscolere , Salvete! we sure could use your insight on the new prep school thread.</p>
<p>Thinking about the people in my class i was able to fugure out the formula:</p>
<p>If you have confidence , you should be able to easily express yourself in public. Academic confidence ( in this case) derives from repeated success in volunteering to answer and being chosen to answer a question or read. When you have talked in public sevral times, you are so used and you know that others are also just as used to you, your voice, your manner, that there is no obstacle anymore and the disconfort (faltering voice, out of breath) vanishes. Most people that have facility speaking in public have acquired confidence from doing what i mentioned ( having experience talking and aswering in other classes/ getting used due to the situation).</p>
<p>The second half that can easily and carelessly--which ,is good-- speak in public are those that have "balls". Having balls is different from having confidence. One is usually born with "balls" and he/she can talk in public because they don't care what others will think or how they will react to his/her response or manner of speaking.Such person, might be aware that he/shemight not have the right answer, but can still speak in public because it is not a big deal and of no significance whatsoever. Did anybody see the boxer Ahmed that was in the Sow "the contender" on NBC? He had balls; this guy would fight anyone and would never even blink when facing the toughest oponents. Those people are not afraid of anything. The classmate that i mentioned above also has balls; his accent is very "bad" and he barely speaks english, but he can talk to any audience and even explain things on the board. Everyone respects a person like that. here, it is not about having to participate, it is about knowing that you can never under estimate yourself. If you see yourself as superior and invincible, others will follow.</p>
<p>Of course, those two groups are fully aware of the advantages of participating in a classroom.</p>
<p>Now at your case, you have none of these. I would say you are timid and aprehensive. There is only one last hope for you: The truth is, no matter how hard you practice, you will always feel out of air and feel the adrenaline rush when you are called upon. You will only be able to feel confortable answering in front of the class by means of " audacity". With "audacity", you are trying to mimic "having guts". You can do so by thinking: " look at those idiots, they are answering the questions and getting all the points and some of them are completely wrong or just trying to show off their "intelectuality. I will show them...) The key to able to speak in public then is to volunteer first, don't wait for the teacher to call you; if you are asked to speak in an unexpected and sudden time, it will only make matters worse; however, when you raise your hand, the first barrier is already broken and others already start to respect you: " he/she had the courage to answer". Also, you know what you will say and how you will say it, so whatever you have to say comes out more naturally. If you do so repeated times, you will show that you are secure talking in front of the class and this will build up your confidence and cockiness; This is very important: when you are talking,show a lot of cockiness and disregard toward what others thinking. Look at the techer only, and when you are finished remain looking until he replies. DOn't look at others to see how they are reacting. </p>
<p>so, if you want to ameliorate, volunteer first, don't wait for time where you will be unprepared. If you do so, when the latter time comes, you will at least feel more used to the class since they already know your nature. </p>
<p>This bunch of things that i wrote may seem like i am theorizing. I am not, it is merely some things that i read in a book a long time ago for a psychology project i had to do.</p>
<p>Prepparent, I hope my insight could help future applicants decide whether or not boarding school is right for them. I don't know if you've heard, but I quit boarding school after just one year.</p>
<p>gian, yes I do remember your story. It would be very helpful to many if you would share your experience's with everyone on the new prep thread. I hope all is well with you</p>