Social anxiety

How to get over the stress and fears of presenting a lecture in front of my class in college i get really stressed i am afraid to fail 😢

[mvillarreal]

What are the symptoms you experience when you get anxious? I will say that, if nausea is one of your symptoms, it might be good to have a Halls cherry cough drop in your mouth to ease the nausea. If you think that might be a little awkward, you could even say, "I know I have a cough drop in my mouth, so hopefully this won't be distracting, but I'm doing it to ease my nerves." That way, you can just own the nerves and don't have to bear that burden alone. Do you think that might be something you'd like to try?

[Hidden in reply to mvillarreal]

I always chew a gum but under the mask so no one can see haha, but i get so stressed out like the night before the presentation i get insomnia, it's just too much

[mvillarreal in reply to Hidden]

O man! Insomnia's the worst! I wonder if it would help to take a sleeping drug on the nights you feel stressed out. Z Quil helps me quite a bit.

[Reading_Rando]

I get really nervous when I have to speak in front of people too. I dont know if this will help you but this helps me. I just try to remeber that everyone feels anxiety in a public speaking situation, even people who are really good at it. We tend to be our own harshest critics and generally speaking people are usually (but not always) way nicer than we tend to think.

[b1b1b1]

I had a lot of difficulty with public speaking at work. It did get easier as time passed and I did a bit more of it. Initially the only thing that helped me was a tranquilizer. For the longer term, however, I would suggest taking a course in public speaking. In the US there is a group called Toastmasters. You start with very small talks ie. just introducing yourself and gradually move on from there. Practice makes it much easier and eventually it becomes enjoyable.

[Antagone]

You might try first rehearsing your lecture in front of one person or a small group. That way you can get used to the sound of your own voice.

Also, the more you know your material, the more confident you'll be. (former actor here)

💜

[Isinatra]

I could never get up in front of people to speak. Teachers quit choosing me to give oral book reports in high school cause they could see how nervous I was. I quit college because the major I chose would require me to publicly speak. At the time, I never knew there was an actual way to overcome the fear. Just receiving the advice you are getting here would have been a big help.. I did get one piece of advice a long time ago....pretend that everyone in the audience is naked... never had a chance to use it. Maybe it will work for you?❤️🏄‍♀️🤗

[Opportunity]

I had an idea that worked for me and one other person. Here’s how it works: tonight, practice for a few minutes talking like the snarkiest, bitchiest, prissy, know-it-all you know. Not about your talk. Just pretend to be the best person in the whole wide world and imagine that everyone else is so dumb. This is just pretend. Say condescending stuff to your room. Say things like, “Like, walls, why are you so stupid. Gosh, you’re so dumb. And bed! Look at you. You’re a mess.” Scrunch your face up in disgust. Point your finger. You know things, and they know nothing.

Now, when you give your speech, get in that mindset. (You won’t go too far, don’t worry). But it will help you stick to your objective. Tell them what they need to know. Basically, you’re overpowering your amygdala the way a narcissist would, by manifesting disgust, which will inhibit fear. But don’t worry, it won’t stick. Side effect: you might get a slight headache.

Whether you take my advice or not, good luck!!!

[Hidden in reply to Opportunity]

I like your brilliant idea hahah I will definitely try it

[hunoms]

I get really anxious too. I've actually had anxiety attacks in front of an entire class before. I'm still working on it too. Just letting you know you are not alone.Maybe talk to your teacher before hand, they could have some advice, or maybe be able to help in another way.

Someone said practice with a friend or maybe a few. I like that suggestion.

Be aware of what you tell yourself before. What negative thoughts are you telling yourself? Do they help? How do you know they are true?

For me I really need to focus on my breathing.

I do recognize that you are not saying your not going to do it. You are just asking for help. You are very brave for agreeing to do something you are not comfortable with. Be easier on yourself, tell yourself kind words.

youtu.be/a2MR5XbJtXU(Not working as expected?)

This video might help