overcome my fear of public speaking

urgh, i hate speeches in class.i had to do a short one today. =X i’ve realized it’s one of my biggest fears.ever. my mouth gets dry, hands shake, and i wish i was anywhere else in the universe. speeches should be illegal. =/

i get nervous in front of people, its intimidating. im considering toastmasters but not too sure if i can afford the expense right now. im a student so im thinking ill just try to do as many presentations as i can this year to get practice.

I started on this goal last week by going to a Toastmasters meeting. They asked if I wanted to try one of the impromptu speeches, and I said YES. The topic was very personal, so it was pretty awkward and embarrassing.

The good news is that I went back today, and it went better. I was still pretty nervous, but the speaking felt a little more natural. I’m looking forward to becoming more comfortable up there so I can express myself more fully.

One of the requirements for a class that I’m taking is a 5-10 minute presentation (worth 15% of my grade) and I don’t have to present until towards the end of the quarter but even with just hearing the teacher mention/talk about it, I began to feel a high amount of anxiety. This is my issue with driving as well…;lakjd;laksjf;lkjsfl;jkasfl;jdsf;

I always refuse to speak in public. I gotta learn to do it! I get nervous butterflies in my stomack when I just think about it.

Well I had another presentation for school last Tuesday. We had a double period for that class and luckily I didn’t have to go the first period. The first period I was a bit nervous, slightly shaking and stuff. But it wasn’t terrible.
During that period I was mentally preparing myself. I had to do the presentation with two other girls, but I had the leading role in it.
Anyway, between the two periods we had a 5 minute break and I just relaxed. Then one group had to go before my group and then it was our turn. I wasn’t nervous at all anymore! I don’t know why, but it went great and we got an A!
This term we have to do another presentation. If that one goes well too, I’ll consider this goal done! :D

This is something I really need to improve on to the extent that it’s now affecting my work. I recently changed roles and am forced to be involved in meetings and mixing with other people but the problem is I just clam up and say nothing. I just find it so difficult. I have to meet a group of people tomorrow and give a small introduction to who I am. I’ve been nervous about it for weeks, rehearsing what I’m gonna say but I Know on the day I’ll get tongue tied, end up speaking way to fast and missing half of what I planned to say. I know it’s pathetic to get myself worked up over such a trivial thing but I just can’t help it! Any words of advice???

I think I’d be able to get over it more easily if I had more opportunities to speak in front of people.
Talking to my friends isn’t hard at all of course. Talking to strangers isn’t either, but I still have to be comfortable with doing that.
So first I’ll talk to strangers more often, then to little groups of people and then to larger groups.

On one hand it’s all about being comfortable, but a few weeks ago I had to do a report in front of some people. And I knew all of them and I knew that they weren’t those types that laugh at others or anything, but still, I stuttered a little in the beginning.

yes i started to talk at lessons but i am still shy.my heart thumps while talking,it is so funny,i laugh at myself:)what is the matter with talking for a couple of minutes:)i sometimes make myself laugh:)

Throw yourself out there!
Get a job that involves communicating!
Answer!
Be part of the discussion!
Do not fade into the background!