In every class I have ever taken throughout my academic life, I have always dreaded having some sort of presentation which involved public speaking. It’s not like I am especially shy or self-conscious, I just don’t know why I can’t stand the idea of public speaking. I have been racking my brain for years trying to figure out how to lessen my anxieties and be like everyone else who so flawlessly spoke in front of the rest of the class. What is wrong with me and why was I cursed with such a phobia? It took some looking into my own self and realizing how my mind works in order to find the answers I have been searching for.
First off, the more you worry about something the worse it will be. If you continually think about how embarrassed you will be or how nervous you are before the presentation is given, it is bound to not go your way! The trick is to act like you do this daily; act like speaking in public is your job! Your mind may play tricks on you and make you think that everyone is judging or whispering about you, but you have to remember those are just anxieties talking in your ear. Your peers are more likely to be just as nervous as you (they may just be better at pretending), and that thought alone may help to ease the butterflies fluttering in your stomach.
Never let your confidence falter! Strut to the front of the room like you own it, and this will signal to the people watching that you are comfortable. The bottom line is really having confidence in yourself. On presentation days I will always dress classy and do my hair especially nice so when I am speaking in front of people I feel good because I know I look good! You don’t have to fear public speaking if you have confidence in yourself and the perseverance to make it through. Believe me, that five minutes that you have to stand in front of a group of people won’t matter in the long run, so enjoy it and make the most of what you got!
Words by: Cassie Tucker
Image by: Crista Leonard
