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How can I manage to speak in class with everyone listening to what I say?

20 Answers
Last Updated: 03/11/2019 at 7:36pm
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Top Rated Answers
Profile: SaturdaysChild
SaturdaysChild
January 19th, 2016 4:46pm
By getting out of your head. Notice the environment, look at your schoolmates although that might be frightening but only at first, engage in the task. Don't get caught up in your thoughts, don't overthink.
Anonymous
March 11th, 2019 7:36pm
Good question, personally love public speaking, I’m an active member of my theatre department and an avid performer. But despite that, I do get nervous, and I deal with it by reminding myself that nobody in class likes public speaking either and are often just as nervous as I am. Ways I soothe my anxiety while speaking is holding something like a paper or pen in my hands to keep myself from fidgeting or shaking. Life goes on past public speaking in class, and although it is nerve wracking- after you finish you will feel relieved that it’s over. Take deep breaths, I promise you’ll be fine.
Profile: Opalescentrose
Opalescentrose
August 13th, 2018 6:10am
Vocalization, posture and body language are very important when delivering a speech; if you seem shy, speak quietly and stutter, people might get bored and stop paying attention. I know it can sound hard to accomplish - I myself am someone who occasionally struggles with stage fright - but trust me when I say that talking with confidence and enthusiasm can catch your audience's attention
Profile: Namastay
Namastay
October 30th, 2017 3:46pm
Make sure you are doing the work and understanding the content. Take small steps to talk in class. Start with raising your hand and answer one or two word answers tha you know are correct, and as you get more confident you’ll be able to say longer answers and ask questions of your own
Anonymous
August 23rd, 2016 1:37pm
A lot of successful speakers have stage fright but they conquer that fear. Under a spotlight, if you tremble because of the crowd watching, breathe in deep. Keep in mind that you are there for a reason and you will do great. Overthinking will not do you any good as it will lead to mental blocks. Focus on what you have to say and think about the people who could connect to what you say.
Anonymous
May 30th, 2016 2:23pm
I often shake a lot and tremble whenever I speak in front of a class, knowing the fact that everyone's is listening. However, I overcame (moreover convinced myself) this problem by understanding myself that what I'll say and try to express it best for the class. Although I do prepare myself this much, I still tremble and shake, but the mindset of trying to be more successful in public speaking is stronger. Another thing is to think positively; the happier you are, the better you can communicate. Good luck.
Profile: Claire91
Claire91
May 30th, 2016 6:24am
As someone who also has trouble participating in class (though I'm not currently in school), I empathize with the difficulty of speaking up in public. I wish I could tell you that I've conquered this fear, but I do still feel anxiety when speaking in a classroom setting. However, perhaps some of these suggestions may be helpful: You could try writing notes before speaking so that you don't have to worry as much about blanking while speaking. You could also try to be really mindful of what you want to say and think about how you want to communicate that to the class instead of focusing on the anxiety. I know that is far easier said than done, though. If the anxiety is really bad, it might be helpful to speak to a psychiatrist about medication, if that's something that you are open to. Best of luck!
Profile: AmirAetherValen
AmirAetherValen
May 24th, 2016 6:43am
Never be disconcerted or ashamed of who you are, and what you stand for. Worst case scenario; they might brand you.. and they'll label you. Because society loves to pass judgment on those who are proud to be a direct representation of what they stand for; those who are proud of what they stand for. But never be disconcerted or ashamed of who you are, and what ideals you represent and stand for. Be proud of it. That's the mentality you need to have in order to develop your individuality and personality in this world. Forget what everyone thinks of what you have to say, and focus solely on what YOU think of what you have to say.
Anonymous
January 26th, 2016 12:15am
try to imagine that your class is in their underwear :) (or something equally funny) Good luck! :)
Anonymous
January 20th, 2016 6:45am
Concentrate on a spot in the room whether it be a friend or a wall, be well rehearsed and steady your breathing, be engaging use hand motions, smile, no matter how nervous you are, it is important to present the illusion of confidence. When you make the audience feel comfortable, you'll be more at ease.
Profile: AutumnLeigh
AutumnLeigh
March 5th, 2015 5:53am
EEEK!!! Stage Fright! We've all experienced it. I perform often and still get nervous being "on stage". My trick is to take off my eyeglasses, or focus on the tops of the audience heads. I think everyone needs to find their own "trick" for being in the spotlight. But in the words of great comedian, Eddie Izzard, it's 90% how you look and 10% what you say. Former President John F. Kennedy went to Berlin and said, "Ich bein ein Berliner!" The crowd went WILD...though what he really said was "I am a doughnut!" Know your stuff...your teacher or professor is probably listening. But look confident and you'll always come out on top!!!! :)
Profile: hopefulsophy
hopefulsophy
January 19th, 2016 11:43am
Just imagine this. How would you react if someone else is speaking in the class and everyone including you is listening to what that person is saying? you wouldn't give a damn right. Now what if that person makes a silly mistake and everybody laughs(including you)? Will you remember THAT mistake for even a day? NO. People have a poor memory and everybody doubts themselves at some point of time that is, everyone is so self absorbed and busy in judging themselves, that though they get time to judge/criticize/laugh at others, they do it for a short time(it is a temporary thing). But this will benefit that person who has committed the mistake. Next time when that person stands up and speaks, people will forget what had happened but that person had remembered the past mistake and has corrected it now and is better than ever, so now that person will speak more confidently(or at least with less number of mistakes) and people will now remember him for this time and as usual for a short period. So it's always that person who has the benefit and potential to improve every time :)
Profile: bountifulWillow67
bountifulWillow67
October 26th, 2015 2:13am
Try to focus on something else instead of paying attention to everyone in the class. Gradually working up to speaking in front of a big group of people.
Profile: Avai
Avai
August 11th, 2015 3:04am
Always practice what you are going to say before you say it - it makes it a lot easier to speak when you have a script in your head. Even if you forget some things or mess up others, nobody knows, because no one can see your script! Speak with your hands, move and get the anxiety all out of your feet and hands as you're talking - that's always helped me! And don't worry about the "uhms" and "likes"; they don't occur as often in your speech as you think!
Profile: PoliteOcean
PoliteOcean
August 10th, 2015 5:48pm
Being in front of a classroom full of people can be an overwhelming feeling and experience for some people. Being prepared is your first line of defense against this feeling. Although the feeling may not completely go away being prepared can help make it a little easier. Being prepared by knowing what you are going to say and practicing what you are going to say is a good way to start. Feeling your best by getting a good nights sleep is important. Also, making sure you eat a good meal beforehand. Make sure you feel your best also by feeling that you look the part of what you are about to do. Have a nice outfit ready and a plan for how you want to dress and wear your hair. Taking some minor steps to being prepared will better make you feel prepared for being in front of people when it becomes time. And remember, take a deep breath before you start will help let out some of the anxiety and help to calm your fears some before starting.
Anonymous
June 29th, 2015 2:52pm
Confidence is a great way to have your voice heard. Something that might help is looking up on google 'How to be confident' or even 'How to act confident'. I would suggest, speaking loudly, clearly and confidently even if you have to fake it. With that in mind, you will quickly be on your way to a class that listens to what you have to say :)
Profile: Smilewhenitrains87
Smilewhenitrains87
May 23rd, 2015 4:47am
Just remember that Nobody wants to pay attention in class. it sounds silly but then it's less pressure. Nobody cares If you mess Up or do bad Except the teacher. The class just wants to go home.
Profile: friendlyIris31
friendlyIris31
May 10th, 2015 10:56pm
Remember that embarrassment happens to us all. Take deep breaths and keep breathing. Think happy thoughts.
Profile: littlewren
littlewren
May 4th, 2015 8:23pm
Even if it's difficult, speaking loudly and clearly helps me feel more confident when speaking in class.
Profile: SummerLivn
SummerLivn
April 5th, 2015 6:55am
Stand up, speak loudly and articulately. No 'umms' or hesitations. The most important thing is for you to FEEL like you are the most important person in the room. Honestly, when you are speaking, you are! When you're done speaking, ask if anyone has questions. Get their attention, hold it, and be confident. What you have to say is very important!