How can I avoid doing presentations in class?

@IDunnoRick

Looks like you have a few different perspectives and practical tips here being shared- that by itself means that you are definitely not alone in feeling afraid. Speaking in front of groups can definitely feel paralyzing and terrifying at the best of times, so it makes sense why you might want to avoid it as much as possible when being the centre of attention feels very uncomfortable. It took me a while to get more used to public speaking-took a lot of practice (and still does).

What else would be helpful from the community here to support you in this?

@IDunnoRick Face it once, and it will be gone forever

My advice is to always volunteer to go first. This way you get it over with first and you can just relax afterwards. I always do this, and it really boosted my confidence to a point where I am no longer afraid of public speaking.

It's hard to help to avoid things like that because it is required. I always felt terrible presenting infront of others but I tried to make sure I was well prepared and to stare at the wall or at random points in the room intead of actually making eye contact with others.

@IDunnoRick

It isnt a good idea to avoid presentations really... just face the crowd, no matter how you present. thats how you become confident..

@IDunnoRick I totally understand this fear hon! I totally promise the panic attacks that happen before and after presentations are SO real. But if you cant get out of them, what tends to help me is actually writing a script of what ill say and memorizing those words. Then when I get up there, all I have to do is concentrate on breathing and standing. Maybe this could work for you too

@IDunnoRick You shouldn't avoid it because these presentations are preparing you for the next big thing in your life. If you'll skip it today in the long run you won't be able to deliver your message to your audience (either your friends, colleagues, or your boss). What you'll gonna do then? Try to give your best at it and its alright if you don't perform well in first few presentations but ultimately you'll overcome it and you won't be able to deliver anything in the corporate world if you'll keep hiding yourself. I found it hectic in my college/university life but I am happy today because all these presentations are what helping me today in my professional life. Few days back I delivered a presentation in my office([MonBon removed promotional material]) and after the presentation my boss came to me and said "you've done a fantastic job" and that's what motivate you :)

I get horrible presentation anxiety. Sometimes it helps me to remember that no one hates hearing my voice as much as I do. Sometimes it also helps to just joke through it. I used to write jokes into my cue cards because then, if people were laughing it was with me, not at me. Once I'd done so many in college it's second nature to crack jokes and keep them engaged on my terms. I don't know how helpful that is to you, I'm sorry.

Don't avoid doing presentations. It's difficult but it really will help you to try. I work in my college's speaking center (in spite of having SAD) and my advice would be to practice your speech all the way through until you know it like the back of your hand. We're told to suggest to students who visit us to practice 13 times and it really does help.

Honestly, I really feel for you because I have been there many times. I even failed a class once, but that was early in high school and the main reason that made me not even try, was because back then I had just moved to the U.S. and spoke VERY little English! I just couldn't do it.

Having said that, I have tried a few things to help me get through presentations and interviews. Besides practicing a lot and really understanding and knowing what I will be talking publicly about...

I actually have taken some medication prescribed by a doctor(helps with nerves).

I have practiced mindfulness.

I have tried going first, because I noticed that the people who haven't gone yet tend to be paying more attention to their notes, or reviewing what they are going to say.

Having a powerpoint is helpful because, they dim the lights and less people stare at you and focus more on the screen.

I get shaky hands and worry about stuttering at times, which would make me even more nervous. I overcame stuttering in English but not in my native language--which is odd, but I am working on it. The shaky hands? the only thing that helps is if I am calmed down. If I have managed to do everything I listed above. They should be fine.

Thought I share my tips(that help me) hopefully they will help you and someone else.