I am giving a 30 minute presentation tomorrow for my senior seminar and am TERRIFIED! I've never been up in front of a class that long. My professor said not to think of it as a typical lecture with us talking at the class, but as a means of encouraging discussion and engaging them. Still, I'm quite nervous and want to make a good impression (i.e., I don't want my voice to shake, my face to turn red, to babble on...lol).

Can you give me any tips on how to handle the nerves? I know it's only natural to be anxious, but I'd like to appear as if I'm calm and collected. I have a huge problem with maintaining eye contact too, so any tips on how to keep up with the contact?

Thanks so much, guys! :)

EDIT: I was thinking of having a drink or two before the presentation. Wise idea or no? lol

eating- you may be hungry and thinking it's nervousness....try to eat healthy, good foods though like fruit- bananas, yogurt etc.

exercise- takes your mind off of it, yet you still can remember what you have to say and makes you feel goood

Practicing- many people don't practice their speech, presentation, project etc. that much and end up feeling scared, worried and it shows- before and during the presentation

watching something funny- believe it or not, comedy and laughing gets the euphoria out of you and helps relax you. rather then feeling tense, nervous, sick to your stomach and out of place, you're relaxed, yet content and ready to go.

Hope I helped, and good luck!!

:lol: RIGHT NOW i'm working on homework for a chapter about doing presentations for my office professional class. there's a list of tips for nervousness.

1. Try this example of a relaxation technique to help clear the anxiety: Take a deep breath - as deep as possible and hold it in and slowly count to ten; after counting, completely exhale all the air you can and relax eveyr bone and muscle in your body. Count to ten again; repeat this process ten times. While taking the deep breathing exercises, think only of the number one; see it in your mind. No matter what tries to come into your mind, think only of the number one.

2. Expect success. Your nervousness and fear may be connected with low self-esteem. Imagine yourself giving a good, strong presentation.

3. Prepare thoroughly. Rehearse your presentation a minimum of four times - at least once before a mirror and once before friends or family.

4. Practice for distractions. Many of your fears may be relted to being afraid you will lose concentration. If you do, just tell the audience, "Give me a moment to organize my thoughts."

5. Never memorize a speech. Speak naturally and let the audience feel as if they know you and understand you may be nervous.

6. Think of communication, not performance.

7. Know that nervousness and its symptoms are not seen. Never call attention to it or apologize for it.

Public speaking is an almost universal fear. I wish I had advice for you. I'd get my hands on a couple of valium. Good luck! :)

Hehe, actually, my friend offered some of her Vicodin left over from her oral surgery for me, but I was scared to take it.

Thanks for the luck! I'm gonna need it! :( And thanks to everyone for their advice.


Public speaking is an almost universal fear. I wish I had advice for you. I'd get my hands on a couple of valium. Good luck! :)