Public speaking tips?

[Os Cangaceiros]

I've been out of the game for a while school-wise, and am trying to get re-adjusted to it. One of my classes involves a lot of public speaking in the form of presentations before classmates. Anyone have a good advice on how to deal with this? It's a problem a lot of people have, in fact someone quoted some statistic that said that about 25% of people have an actual phobia of public speaking when they're confronted with having to give a speech.

I've never liked it much, personally.

[BIXX]

The way I deal with it is imagining there is only one person in the room, like it's more me explaining something to them rather than trying to talk to a group.

[Questionable]

Personally I always try to make sure I know 100% (Or damn near that) about the topic of the speech before I get up there. This may be a no-brainer, but it sure makes me a lot more comfortable in front of a crowd when I know what I'm talking about. Even information that seems unrelated can come in handy if someone asks a tricky question afterwards.

Again, probably a no-brainer for most people on here, but I've had many friends try to do speeches over topics they knew next to nothing about and make fools of themselves.

[Ostrinski]

I love public speaking. I know that probably sounds weird to a lot of people because it's so common for people to struggle with public speaking and presentation. For me, what is difficult is person to person socializing. When I'm speaking in front of an audience, it's like the people aren't really individuals rather than a large mass of people.

[Quail]

I haven't done a lot of public speaking, but the last few times I was talking about operations on ideals (at uni), anarcha-feminism and the role of men in the feminist movement. They were all topics that I find interesting and had a lot to say about. Before I did the feminism talks I rehearsed what I was going to say, and also examined what I had written and mentally prepared how I would respond if someone disagreed with what I'd said. When I actually talk, I try to look at the audience without actually meeting anyone's eye too often. If you focus on the wall just behind the back row, it looks as though you're looking at the audience without having to make eye contact. Obviously don't just stare off into the distance all the time, it's good to make some eye contact. Try not to talk too quickly, either. I find that I talk more quickly when I'm nervous so I try to make a conscious effort to slow down. Also for prompts, I used small pieces of paper with key words written on them and learned what I was going to say so that I only had to look at the prompts every so often. Reading from an A4 page isn't a good idea.

Sorry, that was just a jumble of ideas, but hopefully some of them are useful.

[The Garbage Disposal Unit]

1. Have short, simple, memory-jogging notes. Don't write a wall of text, and don't read off your paper.
2. Don't avoid highfalutin talk when you need to be concept-y, but clearly define and clarify any four dollar words.
3. Brevity.

[Comrade #138672]

I have the same problem. When I try to speak in public, the fear, anxiety, and pressure, that I experience, causes my brain to blackout. In that state, almost nothing comes to my mind (even when I know what I am talking about) and I am only able to think a few words ahead of what I am saying. It is very frustrating.

[Brutus]

I love public speaking. I know that probably sounds weird to a lot of people because it's so common for people to struggle with public speaking and presentation. For me, what is difficult is person to person socializing. When I'm speaking in front of an audience, it's like the people aren't really individuals rather than a large mass of people.

Same for me.
What helps is not reading from notes. Speak from the heart about topics you care about, if you speak with passion, the rest will come naturally.

[Brutus]

Also, either move your hands, or walk about, makes it more lively

[Vladimir Innit Lenin]

Be well-prepared.
Practice, in front of a mirror, lots.
Chill out.

The last part is the most difficult, comes with practice ;)

[TheRedAnarchist23]

When do presentations I have no difficulties. I do a rough planning of the presentation, but usualy when I get to the actual presentation I ditch the plan and improvise. Improvisation works well for me. I actualy get more relaxed when I am talking to a big audience.

Remember, when you are presenting, you are in control, not the people watching.

[ellipsis]

i found watching videos of me speaking at rallies helped me to figure out what i needed to work on for next time.

[blake 3:17]

Figure out the one point you want to make, and every you say revolves around it. Speak clearly and loud enough.