Nervous for presentation

[Motivated]

Hey all,

Quite off-topic.

Well my graduation is tommorow at 6pm and I have do the pledge of alliegance as well as introduce some people. It'll probably be a total of 5 minutes of talking but the thought of it makes me nervous as hell.

I want a future in politics and foreign affairs so this is a necessary fear to overcome.

Any tips? Anything that might help before 6pm tommorow? I have rehersal at 10am, that might calm a few nerves, but I'm sure input here would be helpful too.

Post away DF!

First of all, congratulations!

I'm one of those cocky SOBs who never experienced stage-fright as I was/am always so full of myself, but I have witnessed many who were so frightened that they could have crapped their pants.

I suggest take a deep breath, a sip of water, stand tall, use a little humor to start off with (if it comes naturally), then pretend you are talking to all of us here at DF. When it comes to the pledge of allegiance, be proud to be an American, and think of all the men and women who lost their lives serving their country and how fortunate you are to be living. You'll naturally warm up and the rest will be a piece of cake.

Let us know how you did.

edit: I assume you live in the USA. If not, substitute "proud to be an American" for whatever else you are.

[Motivated]

Thanks for the reply. I'm often cocky as well (it works for me sometimes). But this is about 1200 people...and I'm getting my diploma and AA at the same time (accelerated program).

I'm pretty good with class presentations though, its just the thought of all these people and the mic that makes me nervous as hell.


I'll do well, hopefully. I need to do it. And yes I'm American, and proud!

[gymgirl]

Originally Posted by pierini

I'm one of those cocky SOBs who never experienced stage-fright as I was/am always so full of myself, but I have witnessed many who were so frightened that they could have crapped their pants.

Why does this not surprise me?

congrats motivated! I am one of those people who would have crapped their pants as pierini says if I had to speak infront of a group. The last time I had to speak was a class presentation in my international relations class in college. Sadly what worked for me was taking a xanex to calm my nerves. I don't know what to recomend for you, maybe some deep breathing and try thinking about something that calms you?

Best of luck!

[minime]

I am like you gymgirl : the thought of public speaking makes me break out in a cold sweat lol. I have great respect for anybody who can do that.

Motivated : i have no advice to give you, just to say try to be as relaxed as you can. My sister has to do it often for work and she hates it, but she does say that it always SEEMS to you like your voice is shaky, but nobody else notices. To everybody you will appear much more calm and collected than you really feel!

Good luck!

Is your speech well prepared and on note cards for easy reference?

Have you practiced it -- A LOT?

And have you practiced the pledge lately?

[ixoyc]

congrats,
just remember to speak slowly, clearly, and loudly (well you know what i mean)

[.V.]

If you are good with class presentations, this will be no different. Simply speak as if you are speaking to your class.

When my 11 year old sang at her mom's funeral she said she didn't even see the 200+ people there. She was singing to her mom just like she did every day.

You can do something similar. Just speak to your classmates.

[Motivated]

UPDATE: it turns out i was worried for nothing. i wasnt nervous at all... in fact, i did perfect.

i actually got very cocky once I got up, I don't know how it happend (I'm usually have an overbearing confidence).

thanks for the input everyone!

[.V.]

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