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[hewritez]

Any tips on calming nerves, etc?
Actors?

This Saturday I'm going to be reading one of my stories at a conference in D.C.
The coordinator just emailed me and said that after the reading there will be a question and answer session from the "audience" 

That gives me bubble guts just thinking about it. The thought of some stranger raising their hand and directing a question at me about my work...oh lord

What do you do in these situations?
It's not the fear of speaking it's the fear of the fear that gets me.
I just don't want to look or SOUND nervous.

[GLOCK]

I'm amazing

[Zankou.]

I'm amazing

e

[GRAND]

You can't be intimated if you take control of a conversation

Don't look at them as a crowd, look at them as individuals and look everyone in the eye as if you're speaking to them 1 on 1

Then you'll feel less like there's 500 people staring at you

[Nine]

Terrible.

[Cartierline]

Terrible.

This.


I've never really had many opportunities to practise getting better though.

[hewritez]

You can't be intimated if you take control of a conversation

Don't look at them as a crowd, look at them as individuals and look everyone in the eye as if you're speaking to them 1 on 1

Then you'll feel less like there's 500 people staring at you

Thank you for this.

[Rxxf]

I find that if you are knowledgable and passionate about the topic/discussion it helps.

I only find myself struggling if I'm speaking (in public) about something I don't know much about.

[Kurama]

It's one of the things I wish I was better at. Especially when its an impromptu public speech in a room full of people you don't know.

Really learning the material im presenting on helps me. Makes me feel more confidant and gives the audience the impression that you're the expert.

Practicing with friends the day before helps me too.

Deep breaths right before the speaking helps calm my nerves also.

I generally fake as if Im making eye contact with folks. I look over the crowd in different directions  ever so often, just to make it seem like Im working the room.

[Harlem]

I find that if you are knowledgable and passionate about the topic/discussion it helps.

I only find myself struggling if I'm speaking (in public) about something I don't know much about.

THIS!!!!

[wizzy]

Sucked at it till I took a course on it

I just found one or 2 people that I could make eye contact with
and tried getting them to see my point.

[D.I.E.G.O.]

I love public speaking. I don't get nervous while speaking to groups of people.

I'd say find a way to channel your nervous energy so you won't stumble through your speech. A lot of politicians hold paper clips in their hands and bend them behind the podium to avoid coming off nervous.

Also, if you are reading, try to pace yourself. It's easy to read too fast when you're nervous. Be sure to make eye contact as well to make sure you are engaging your audience.

Best of luck.

[Hatsumomo]

Well I am a Jehovah's Witness and I've given public talks in front of thousands and not just anyone can get up there. You have be to be chosen to do it.

[Eternal Bell]

rlly good

firs i think for ppl like u
try breathing exercises
n also have a goal: to entertain/give a good esperience; its ur story, do it justice!
fear and stage fright are distractions, breathe & do ur thing babes!

[Gilgamesh.]

I'm good at it. Big crowds never really bothered me.