I start a communications class tonight. Lots of presentations and stuff. I just started community college about a year ago part time, so this will be the first class I've had to do something like this since high school 12 years ago.

Anyone else get freaked out about having to do this type shit? What gets you through it?

I've been dreading it.

picture everyone in their underwear

no, i love it. i'm awesome at it.

i have a buddy that wont graduate college b/c he refuses to take a public speaking class. its the easiest class ive ever had in college, and its a blast. we pretty much got to research and do presentations on anything we wanted. and dont be freaked out getting in front of the class, everyone has to do it

i like to not be too scripted and treat it like i was having a casual conversation with everyone in the room. i try not to be serious which helps me deal with any tension. use your normal voice...dont try to sound like a robot or a radio DJ. crack a few jokes, ad lib, laugh at yourself, etc. people will enjoy it too if you come off being comfortable.

this was one of the first classes i took at a CC and while everyone says picture people in their underwear......not a smart thing if you have some pretty ladies in the class...than you have to make sure youre behind the podium.

the best thing to try is pick three places on the back wall to to make eye contact with. do this by dividing the room into thirds. this gives the illusion of making eye contact with everyone, yet avoiding the yawns, stares and discontent that usually fill these classrooms

I had this class last year. Note cards outlining your speech's main points help.

I really enjoy public speaking, actually. I took a class called Voice and Articulation a year or so ago and it was one of my favorites. For my midterm presentation I read the first act of MacBeth.

The more people there are, the easier it is. At least that's how I feel. This goes for acting too. I have never been more nervous in my life than I was doing a scene for two people in someone's living room. Just disperse your nervousness over everyone there.

Resonate your voice so you're loud without yelling. Speak from the back of your throat. Use a wide range of inflection. ACT with your voice.

i really need to be immersed in what i'm saying, then i kinda forget where i am

yeah!

I had to do a power point presentation for class once. After about the same amount of years out of high school as you. My professor was a hard core Christian lady and blonde too. So I did my power point on Ted Nugent and this was the image I used on my first slide:




Long story short, I was never called up to do my presentation but I still got full credit. My partner on the project (she was 22 yrs old at the time) learned a lesson on how to surf the system.

i did that on a spanish presentation in college with this image:

Aye Carrrrrrrrumba!!!!

i wish i had more advise, but this is pretty much the only one i can think of.

i've had to do the presentation thing more than a few times, and every time i start really nervous and awkward. but then, as things start rolling, it just starts to flow, and you forget about the situation and focus on the subject matter. at this point, i try to id the people that look like they're paying attention, and just speak to them, even if there's only one guy/gal doing it out of good manners, that's all you need.

of course, the key is either to have an actual interest in the subject you're talking about, or at least be well prepared. if you stand up there and have no idea what you're supposed to say, well, it's gonna go bad no matter what.

Thanks for the responses, folks. I never enjoyed doing this in high school, but never had any problem with it. I think it's just been so long, and plus my job is such that I spend so much time alone, it's hard to keep the social skills sharp. I'll be super nervous (and probably show it) the first time, but I'll probably be fine after that.

Peeps, I like your little trick.

As far as picturing people naked or whatever, no... this is a night-time community college course. 95% of the people in there I definately wouldn't care to see naked.

I took one of those courses during my law study, years ago, because it was one of my weak spots. The very first time people couldn't even make out what I was saying because I was extremely nervous. But practice makes perfect, so by doing it I got used to it. The next time people could understand me.
And then years later I even became a teacher (for a while). But somehow a group of teenagers scares me less than a group of adults. Right now, I'm at school again, to become a qualified teacher. Presentations are part of the classes. Keep in mind that everybody is different. If you can find your own style it will be easier to feel comfortable. For me it works to be fully prepared. I still improvise when the time is there, but at least there's always a plan to fall back to. Also, picking a subject that you can relate to, helps tremendously.

groetjes,
Mirella