Fear of public speaking

[Taz_Zoee]

I also have this fear. Just this past Wednesday I had to give the department report at our monthly staff meeting. It was less than 2 minutes long. I was fine, not nervous at all........right up until I started talking. Then I got super nervous and kept stumbling on my words. I talk super fast when I'm nervous. So I had to make an effort to speak slowly. I made it through (even though I flubbed my words a few times).
Now, I've worked for the same company for over 7 years. There are only 5 people here that have been here longer than me. I know everyone! I shouldn't be nervous. I am a talker, in social situations. But put me on the spot in front of people (and I didn't even have to stand up in the front, I sat in my chair) and I freak.

We had a Toastmasters group here before. I didn't attend, but several co-workers said it was a great thing and really helped them.

[sasvermont]

Pretend you are someone else......i.e. the expert on the topic. Maybe even change your octave of voice. That's what actors do if the have speech problems. Give it a try.

Good luck!!!

P.S Make sure to breathe smoothly, too.

[dab_20]

Thanks so much for the advice and thoughts everyone. Toastmasters? I've never heard of it... other than it's a toaster brand lol. I'll have to look it up. I'm at the beginning of my college career and I'm pretty sure I'll have plenty more presentations.

Lucky thing is, it's not really a speech. It's a persuasive power point presentation on a subject I got to choose. It helps when it's something your actually interested in, I guess. I'm doing adopting from shelters and ways you can help homeless animals.

The breathing thing should help, I will definitely do that.