This was my biggest fear until I was about 40. I had the same reaction. Then I did Toastmasters and at the same time got a job that required lots of speaking and suddenly I was fine.

The biggest key - know your subject well. And smile and look people in the eye.

I tried acting classes and it was not helpful for me but that could be due to the quality of the class more than effectiveness of this option.

Anonymous wrote:toastmasters.

+1,000

My son was so shy about public speaking in elementary/middle school.

He joined Toastmasters (which shocked me) last year as a Freshmen in high school and LOVES it. What a difference it has made in every way.

He really loved the teacher that is head of the club and he was recruiting students for it. He looks forward to it.

Know the most about your area of expertise.

Just do it more. Very, very few people are naturally good at public speaking with no experience. The more you do it the less you get nervous. You just get thicker skin.

Look for the friendly faces in the audience. Talk to those people.

I used to get major anxiety prior to giving a public speech.

And during my speech, my nerves would ruin the experience tenfold.

However now that I am on anti-anxiety medication (not prescribed for public speaking woes), I find it so much easier to speak 🗣 up about things w/little to no nervousness.

It’s been a true game changer.

Toastmasters! I never did it (I did forensics in high school) but I strongly encouraged someone on my team to do it. Among other things, he seemed to really enjoy it! It’s like a secret society - it turns out there are toastmaster clubs everywhere.

toastmasters.

Anonymous wrote:Have you tried beta blockers OP?

Beta blockers definitely help

Anonymous wrote:Drama classes

OP here: Funny you should mention that. I’ve often thought that if I were giving advice to college students in my field I would honestly encourage them to take at least one theater class for this reason.

Toastmasters?

Drama classes

Have you tried beta blockers OP?

My problem is that I get so nervous when I start a presentation that I honestly feel like I’m going to hyperventilate. I’m praying people can’t hear the nervousness in my voice but maybe they can. FWIW my heart rate eventually settles down and I always finish strong but I just don’t know how to get over the jitters at the beginning.

Anyone have any tips? I would love to just get through my presentations without that panicky feeling at the start. And I’m incredibly jealous of people who can present like they’re having a relaxed, casual conversation.