Hi Mjtsb,
As someone who's struggled with speeches and public speaking throughout high school and uni, I know exactly what you mean. I used to break down every time I had to do a speech, get sweaty, stutter, shake, anything horrible, you name it, it happened. Sure what Geoff said might work, try googling it but if you're anything like me you've already done that and it probably hasn't helped. I know this is going to sound cliched but it worked. The only way you're going to feel/ get better at presenting and public speaking is if you practice. Get out of your comfort zone, volunteer for stuff where you have to speak publicly. It doesn't have to be joining the debating club but start small. I would volunteer for speeches and put my hand up in class when the teacher asked a question.
I'm not saying its not going to be hard, because there were times where I completely embarrassed my self BUT there were also times where I felt so empowered, so proud of myself for getting up there and even doing it without crying, that it didn't matter. Focus on the good parts, instead of finishing the speech and saying wow that was so bad, my voice was shaking, I was bright red. Congratulate yourself for actually getting up and DOING it because that took guts and confidence, and you should be proud of your self! You are awesome and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Including yourself. You are your greatest critic, and with that probably comes this need for perfection. But that doesn't really exist and so the next time you have a speech think positively, and go up there and aim for your best.
Here are some other tips: Find something that calms you down. For me that's music. Whether its listening to motivational songs or writing them, It reduces my fear.
Practice. prepare your speech as much as you can, cause if you don't know what you're saying chances are it'll make you even more nervous.
Don't forget to SMILE! if you can convince yourself that you're not scared, eventually you'll believe it. I used to watch funny videos before a speech or I found someone in my class who would make me laugh and focus on them. Remain positive.
Other things that help me get through it is that 1. other students are going through the exact same thing and two when your presenting, they probably aren't even listening and won't notice your shaking or blushing. So there's no need to be scared!
You'll do great! Just believe in yourself!
BeBrave 🙂
p.s let me know how it goes/went.
