Presentation - how to deal with nerves/stress/anxiety?

Question

I'm in my first year of university. I have to do my first presentation next week.
We'll be working in groups of 3's. Each presentation will take 15 minutes. Each person in the group will spend 5 minutes speaking.

We will be doing our presentations in front most of the people on our course (in our year)

I'm planning on drinking some alcohol before the lesson so that I won't care what people think of me as much.

I came back from the Christmas holiday on Sunday. Today I had my first lecture since I came back. Even being spoken TO by the person I shall speak in front of next week made me feel very nervous.

I have a habit of wondering what people think of me - intimidating people - sometimes they're naturally scary to me, it's not their fault.

And I know people probably aren't going to be picking bits out about me that are 'pathetic' or 'weird' or 'stupid', because they'll be thinking about themselves and their own presentations, but the teachers - they may be the most intimidating - one in particular - only, really, because he seems extremely intelligent

wtf

Answer 1

I had to take a public speaking class and i hated it. I just dont like speaking infront of people i dont know. I think the best way to deal with it is to practice your part of the presentation. Having a smooth presentation will help you calm down. People in my class struggled the most when they forgot what to say but it happens at times. And if it does happen to you then just keep on going even if you skip some parts. Remember, everyone will go through the same thing as you and they all will be nervous too.



Lol by the way, dont get drunk before the presentation.

Answer 2

Know the speech you will give, forward and backward. Use note cards, or have the whole thing typed (double spaced) in front of you.



Keep one hand gripped on the side of the podium. The other index finger points to where you are in your typed speech.



Glance at the audience from time to time....but concentrate on a spot in the back of the room, which is above the audience....maybe a clock or window.



Take a deep breath, let it out slowly. Do the best you can.

Answer 3

Why would you drink before hand? Practice the presentation in front of a friend or if you live at home family member like 15 times (and ask for feed back). If you do not practice its not going to be very good.

Answer 4

http://www.wikihow.com/Overcome-Your-Fear-of-Public-Speaking