Presentation Blues

[Sweet50cool]

I have major stage fright, and I am in a tenth grade English class which has at least six presentations per semester. Every presentation so far, I’ve freaked out on and I NEED it to stop. Ive tried everything I could think of, encluding Taylor Swift therapy... it’s not working. Please Help!!! My presentation’s TOMORROW!!!!

[Hidden]

Read this it might help

healthextremist.com/banana-...

[LovelySnow]

I can very much relate! I was the same in high school (now I'm 36!). I would say, take a deep breath. You've probably already done or tried that but it really helps. Do/can you use note cards?

[Calm_mama]

Hi Sweet50cool!

You can do it.

Get up there and feel your jelly legs, rapid breathing, heart pounding, dizziness, concern about being judged- everything.

I do presentations from time to time for work (started forcing myself a while back) and while that feeling never completely goes away, it lessens a ton with PRACTICE - practice both doing the actual thing in front of all those people, and practice recognizing that that panicky feeling and all the physical symptoms that come with it are nothing, normal, nada.

And what is Tayler Swift therapy?

Let us know how it goes?

[JEG325 in reply to Calm_mama]

Hey Calm_mama, can I recommend a few supplements? Magnesium is relaxing & B-complex 50 will sharpen her mind and ease the anxiety. The sharper I feel, the less scared I am....Just a thought....Otherwise, remember that everyone else dreads it just as much as you do. Lock yourself into your mind and speak from deep within. I was also told to look slightly over everyone's head or imagine them dressed in funny clothes or like cartoon characters. Treat it like you are gossiping with a group of your friends. Picture them instead of your classmates. Whatever works....

[ChareBear143]

I used to feel the same way, but I think for me a big part was I worried way to much what other people thought and felt. I did not see the parts of me that were so awesome. I am funny, goofy and I a great story teller. Find one thing at least that sets you apart and makes you special. Focus on that one thing while you are preparing your presentation. put in on a sticky on your notes. When you start to freak or worry look at the sticky and remind your self . Tell your self this is what makes me special. Let everything else fall away. Just do the best you can do, let the rest go. Take it one step at a time, growing a and learning to get over fear takes time. Like a log crossing, one step at a time. Good luck Sweet heart. I believe in you!

[hypercat54]

Hi nice to meet you. Are you 16 or older? Or are you a college? x

[Hidden]

Hi Sweet50cool. I have that issue too. Just take deep breaths and think positive thoughts. Keep sayin to yourself: “I can do this. It’s a piece of cake.” That feeling of nervousness is going to be there still but you’ll do much better when you think positively.

[Elysian_asphodel]

Hi there. When beginning your English class presentation, whether you have been introduced by the teacher or not, introduce yourself with a wide smile and a wide 'hi there' wave simultaneously.

If you can use them, use note cards, but only a few. Remember to look periodically at your audience in general while speaking; however, target three (3) people (even close friends ) to look directly in the eyes and hold your gaze with each of them for at least four (4) seconds while speaking, then politely shift to your general stance.

Say 'thank you' to your audience for listening and say good bye politely. Please, be sure to rehearse your presentation before you go to sleep and when you first wake up: that will help. We wish you good fortune on your presentation. May the lightness follow you! Thx!

[SoberDrunk1]

Choose a presentation option that will best suit your skill set. I like Power Point. You could make it interesting like adding pictures... and other graphics and have very little words to talk. Do the material speak for you that way you dont have to talk much.

[SoberDrunk1]

Also a dry run before the the presentation will also ease the pain. Avoid alcohol or other substance it will only increase the anxiety. Meditation helps. I am a sober member of AA so, I practice lot of acceptance and stay in solution.

[Gint]

I'm so sorry I didn't see this sooner. There is a blood pressure medication called propranolol that is used for performance anxiety. I used to shake so hard I couldn't read my notes. My voice quivered. It was awful. I would not have graduated without it. It stops your parasympathetic system from going into overdrive. When I knew I didn't have to worry about everyone seeing my legs and hands and voice shaking, it freed up my mind to concentrate on saying the things I actually wanted to say. People praised me for my confidence! Also I've used for job interviews, etc.