<p>I totally suck at public speaking. What do you CCers do to get better at it?</p>
<p>Joining MUN completely transformed my public speaking. I used to write a ten minute speech and memorize word for word (and still get a B) and now I can slap together some notecards the night before and make it up on the spot (and get an A). Joining Forensics would probably work as well.</p>
<p>take a swig of hard liquor beforehand</p>
<p>Some of us are just gifted...No, anyway...Hmmm...I think having an advanced vocabulary helps you a lot. If you read a great deal, you'll undoubtedly better your oratorical skills. When you speak, you'll have a greater grasp of what you want to say, and you won't need to search as long for the necessary words, as you'll probably know a plethora of synonyms for the idea you want to express.</p>
<p>I would recommend Model United Nations. As tkb6 suggested, it's more dynamic and trains your extemporaneous speaking skills. Plus, you get more practice than forensics, since you're involved throughout the conference, rather than completing a round and then leaving.</p>
<p>Practice, Practice, Practice :) I used to be afraid of public speaking, but I make myself do it. It doesn't feel so bad then :) Also if you are giving presentations just think about how you feel when OTHER people are giving their presentations.</p>
<p>I'm gonna say do the opposite of practice. Honestly, just wing it and it usually goes somewhat better. And let me tell you, I'm the quiet one in class who does not participate all that often yet winging the presentations work rather than stressing to do things just the way I practiced.</p>
<p>Get involved in theater or acting and stuff like that. I used to be the worst public speaker ever- shaky voice, blushing, watery eyes, but then I got a semi-decent part in a play I tried out for, and after that it was so much easier to give presentations beacsue I just thought "if you can memorize lines and perform them in front of an audience, you can definitely read some stuff off a note card to a few classmates!" :)</p>
<p>I agree. If you're giving a presentation in class, volunteer to go first. This lets you have less time to worry about it and more time to relax afterwards, listening to other peoples' presentations and learning from their mistakes.</p>
<p>I agree, too, that having an advanced vocabulary and the ability to construct complex, varied sentences increases your assurance as you public-speak (is that a word?).</p>
<p>Basically, the more you do, the better you get. Two years ago I was the worst public speaker in the world, but now I'm probably the best in my class. Also, being confident in yourself (emotionally, psychologically, and most importantly physically) can help beyond measure. Accept yourself for who you are and realize that what "those people" think of you doesn't amount to a hill of beans!</p>
<p>Pretend to be speaking to a wall. This worked pretty well for me.</p>
<p>everytime im about to speak infront of a large audience i just think its one big joke and that calms me down</p>
<p>I just pretend that no matter how bad my presentation is, there is always going to be someone who is worse; that kinds of drains my anxiety.</p>
<p>well wats ur problem with public speaking? Like are you shy, can't come up with a topic, etc.?</p>
<p>Since I know most of my class does not care or is not listening, I don't practice, because I know they will never be attentive enough to hear whatever I botch.</p>
<p>kman1456 not true, u can get the attention of ur class no matter wat, i've walked in and done a speech on absolutly nothing and made the entire crack up with joke and kept them entertained</p>
<p>the exception is 1st period. its hard to get any momentum going on those.
i actually agree with kman1456 because yes, you can get the attention of your class, but if it has nothing to do with your speech, what good is it?</p>
<p>i hate public speaking when it comes to a class of ignorant high schoolers.
they only pay attention when it's funny/sad, and tune out when you actually try to say anything of significance.</p>
<p>i would much rather speak to a crowd of adults.</p>