public speaking advice?

[shateredsoul]

I always get nervous when I have to do official presentations at conferences.  Is there a way to help me calm down during or right before a presentation (other than a shot of tequilla, rum, vodka, etc  ) ?

I don't mind speaking in public setting as far as joining a discussion, leading a discussion, or even doing a graduate school presentation for undergraduates, but for some reason I always get nervous in more extreme ways than others. 

..and imaging people naked doesn't work, I can't imagine that working for anyone.

[esoteric_rt]

I feel your pain!

I went to my doctor recently, who prescribed pills called 'beta blockers' - basically they relax your blood arteries (?) allowing blood to move easier thoguh your body - keeps you calm and stops your heart pounding.

Google search 'beta blockers' 

[Blanka]

Why do you get nervous? Giving presentations is no picnic. You should very much qualify to do a great job on stage. Maybe its not for you after all.

[Thenasty]

Do MORE "official presentations at conferences". 

That will stop you from being nervous.

[Malenko]

its all in your head. Its perfectly normal and fine to be nervous. The more you do it, the less nervous you'll be. Kinda like sex.

[shateredsoul]

its all in your head. Its perfectly normal and fine to be nervous. The more you do it, the less nervous you'll be. Kinda like sex.

Yeah makes sense.. I guess I better just push my self to do more of these type of talks.  

[Benevolance]

I second that one. The more you get up in front of a crowd, the less anxious you'll be.

I've done a lot of presentations and public speaking over the years. When I started, I was terrified as hell. I'd write down a few speaking prompts on a card, in case I got lost. Over the years of doing it regularly, it got easier and easier. Check into your local area to see if you have a Toastmasters chapter. They can provide a lot more professional pointers than I can; I've mostly learned by going up and doing.

And before resorting to drugs, I'd suggest a quick burst of physical activity.

[shateredsoul]

an obnoxious joke? funny.. how did you figure that one out?

Toast masters sounds like a good idea and it looks like the one around where I live onlly charges $20 to become a member. 

[Marsupial]

Remember this: most people are there for what you have to say, and don't  really care about you.

Also, while you might not be a profesionnal public speakperson, most of the listeners don't do that for a living... whatever you do they'll be happy with.

There's no reason to be nervous. It won't make the situation better, and won't change a thing. Work your stuff out, and you'll be fine.

[Kevin Mullins]

Remember this: most people are there for what you have to say, and don't  really care about you.

Exactly... most people get nervous because they are thinking too hard about the impression they may give about themselves or something.
People in the audience are there to "listen".
So the bolder and stronger you start off a presentation, the easier it gets just that much quicker for you. And of course the more times you can do it like that, it gets that much easier the next time, and the next, and the next time, etc.

I get nervous as hell before I publicly speak like most anybody does .... so as soon as I open my mouth I kick it off strong and it just rolls on out from there.
Do I like to do it? ... Nah.... But can I ?.... sure.

So keep your mind on the overall presentation itself. 

[RayB]

If a shot of alky does the job, then why not??
Your anxiety is a chemical reaction, so counter it with more chemicals.

[Benevolance]

Just remember to put the bottle down before you stumble up to the podium.

[shateredsoul]

Just remember to put the bottle down before you stumble up to the podium.

Thanks everyone! Todays presentaiton went great! very great questions, people were engaged, and yes I was nervous and stumbled a little bit.. but I take it more as a learning experience.  I didn't get hung up about it and had really interested conversations and constructive feedback.

Now I just have another one to go (I'm in Denver, CO and I"ll be in Los Angeles, CA next Friday).