So basically I am terrified of speaking in front of more than two people at a time, even if they are close friends or family. Last year I had to do a present my project on journalism to my class of 25 (including my teacher). I was shaking the entire time and my teacher asked me twice if I was okay because I was so pale. And then she couldn't give me a mark because it turned out she and the rest of my class could barely hear me.

Next year is my final year at school and surprise surprise  have to do a presentation in front of my entire year and tons of teachers in our massive school hall. This counts as half of my final mark.

Any tips on how to talk in front of people without fainting and puking because that's happened to my sister before?

Please help.

::

Hello!

Let me enlighten you with a quote from Mark Twain:

"There are two types of speakers. Those who get nervous and those who are liars."

Girl, you're not the only one who has the same fear of speaking in public. I too get shot scared before performing or speaking in public, yet time and time again I find myself on the debate team or playing the piano in front of tons of people.

And I get nervous ever fucking time. Not to mention the panic attacks and sweaty and shaky fingers - which is obviously not idea when you're about to play the piano - and so I definitely understand where you're coming from.

I have a couple of tricks that I use and I really hope they do help you. Because like you said, you have to conquer this fear - or at least know how to handle it. Maybe you can never completely stop being nervous, but you can get to a level where you feel a bit more confident when you make presentations.

Without further ado, let me proceed with a list.

1. Make a plan 

The best way to prepare for anything is to plan beforehand so that you have a good idea of what you're going to say or do.

Planning gives you a general overview of how you'd like your presentation to go so that when you finally give it, you know how things will run.

In this plan, note down the main points of your presentation and in the order you want them to go in. For example, say I've to make a presentation on...*thinks of something*...Beyoncé, lol. My plan would look a bit like this:

Point 1 - Introduction of the singer
> powerful and influential woman
> feminist and vegan
> has *insert number here* albums

Point 2 - her achievements
Point 3, 4, 5 (depends on the amount of time)

Point 6 - conclusion
> quote from the artist herself

So you see, I have a clear plan in front of me in regards to what my speech will be like, which will therefore be helpful when I'm standing in front of people because rather than the information being scattered everywhere in my head, I have a clear path.

This is really helpful because I find that many people freak out during presentations not because they don't have any points, but because they haven't organized their points properly.

2. Practice by yourself

Whether you'd prefer to pace around the room, or do it in front of a mirror or in the shower, continually run the presentation through your head the way you want it to go. Say it out loud, say it in your head. This really helps because repetition drills the speech into your long-term memory, making it easier to remember when you finally present it.

Bear in mind that you should vary how you practice because first you can allow yourself to read the speech/presentation and then try and practice without them.

I usually practice my debate speeches in the shower (including my award-winning songs lol). I slay in there bruh, i slay

3. Practice in front of family

I know you said that you get scared of talking in front of them too, but they provide a safe environment in which you can work on building up your confidence.

You can start by asking the closest member of your family if they can just listen to you speaking. You don't have to stand in front of them at first; just sit beside them and present to them. After you're comfortable with that, stand up and do it in front of them like you would in a class.

As you keep practicing, present to two family members, then three, then four. Share with them how nervous you get, but make it known that you really want to get over it and hat you need their help. Family is always willing to lend a helping hand and they are your backbone, so don't be afraid to confide in them.

You can also do the same with your friends. Just keep practicing in front of them, asking for feedback as well as support. It really feels good to know that people have your back, and that can boost your confidence significantly.

4. Learn to channel your fear

The time finally came for me to do the highest level of piano exam that there was in the system and I was freaking out. That's when my teacher told me that I was shaking because my body was under adrenaline, and I had to take it upon myself to use that adrenaline to better my performance. We all know that adrenaline can make you do amazing things, and so I took a couple deep breaths and entered the room.

I killed that exam, lol.

Just changing your mentality before you prevent can help you deliver an awesome presentation.

I often chant words of motivation to myself before I present in front of people. You're the best. You're going to kill this b*tch. It really helps to motivate yourself because it may or may not be the truth, but it certainly gets you going.

5. Use flash cards

I usually feel a bit more confidence when I've flash cards to refer to when I speak so that, even though I know the speech by heart, I find comfort in the fact that I have a back-up plan if I forget.

6. Don't memorize it word for word!

It's better to know the main points of your presentation instead of memorizing the whole thing word-for-word. This is because memorizing something could either go potentially well or potentially badly. But, just knowing the main points allows for flexibility in your speech so that you don't freak out if you forget a line or whatever.

7. Public speaking classes

You could find a coach or someone who offers lessons in public speaking because they can really help build your skills and your confidence in doing this. You should definitely check if there's someone who can do that in your school or around the area you live.

::

Sometimes we just have to force ourselves to do the things we're scared of doing. The only way you can get over your fear is by constantly throwing yourself out of your comfort zone. I'm so serious. It may be an unsettling idea, but that's how we get better at things: by pushing ourselves, by making ourselves do the things we hate doing.

Sign up for clubs and activities where you know you'll have to speak to, or in front of, people. The more you do it, the better you become at it and the less you feel like puking!

Of course, don't forget to ask your friends and family to support you on this journey. Even your teachers - letting them know about your fear could help them understand you better and as a result be a bit more lenient on you...but also give you an opportunity to conquer it.

Hope I helped! Good luck with your presentation. I'm sure you'll be fine. Just keep practicing!

Love,

- genie_us xx