Public speaking tips for students aim to reduce anxiety that can interfere with giving presentations or speeches in class.
These tips aren’t just helpful for speaking in front of a big group.
Practice, preparation, and relaxation strategies are essential for students dealing with anxiety about public speaking.
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It’s also important to maintain perspective; remember, other people get nervous, too!
Practice Your Public Speaking
Even great speakers practice their speeches beforehand.
If you are feeling brave, practice in front of a friend or family member and ask for feedback.
Research has even shown that imaginary practice can be an effective way to combat feelings of public speaking anxiety.
Start with an interesting fact or a story that relates to your topic.
Tie different parts of your talk to the main theme to support your overall message.
Trying to cover too much ground can leave other students (and you) feeling overwhelmed.
Whenever possible, use a story to illustrate a point in your talk.
Feeling confident and prepared to give your speech may help lessen your feelings of anxiety.
Make arrangements for any audio-visual equipment and practice standing in the exact spot where you will deliver your speech.
Unfamiliarity can often make social anxiety worse.
Rack Up Experience
Volunteer to speak in front of your class as often as possible.
Be the first one to raise your hand when a question is asked.
Yourconfidencewill grow with every public speaking experience.
Researchers have found that practicing in a virtual format can also be helpful.
Observe Other Speakers
Take the time to watch other speakers who are good at what they do.
Practice imitating their style and confidence.
Consider attending local events or presentations at your school.
Watching TED Talks or speeches on YouTube can also be helpful.
Organize Your Talk
Every speech should have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.
Structure your talk so that the other students know what to expect.
Then write it down on notecards and spend time practicing what you will say.
Fortunately, there are a lot of anxiety-fighting relaxation strategies that can help calm your mind and body.
It’s a good idea to practice relaxation strategies before you give your speech.
The more you practice them, the better you’ll be able to use them when they are needed.
Sometimes sharing how you feel can make it easier to overcome stage fright.
Proven Anxiety-Busters
Relaxation strategiescan be super helpful for fighting speech anxiety.
Maintain Perspective
Remember that other students are on your side.
Did you think less of that student?
More likely, you felt sympathetic and wanted to make that person more comfortable by smiling or nodding.
Rememberother students generally want you to succeed and feel comfortable.
Focus on some of the following elements and practice them before you have to speak in public.
Integrate your own personality into your speaking style and you will feel more comfortable in front of the class.
Practice being silent when you feel the urge to use one of these words.
Doing so keeps your classmates interested and engaged in what you say.
Practice the timing and delivery of your jokes beforehand and ask a friend for feedback.
Be sure that they are appropriate for your class before you begin.
Smile
If all else fails, smile.
Don’t Apologize
If you make a mistake, don’t offer apologies.
Chances are that your classmates didn’t notice anyway.
This can help to break the tension of the moment.
Try talking to a parent, teacher, orcounselorabout how you have been feeling.
If that doesn’t get you anywhere, ask to make an appointment with your doctor.
Severe public speaking anxiety is a truedisorderthat can improve withtreatment.
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Vogel WH, Viale PH.Presenting with confidence.J Adv Pract Oncol.
2018;9(5):545-548.
