I have a fear of public speaking: glossophobia. (cross post from the lounge)

[Tobin S.]

It's something I'm going to have to overcome.

I thought I would tackle it head on last night in my math class at school. We were asked to try a difficult practice problem. The professor said that whoever got up in front of the class and solved the problem correctly would get some bonus points. Fewer bonus points would also be rewarded simply for trying even if the solution was wrong.

I was confident of my solution, but much less so of getting up in front of the class and explaining it to everyone. I've had a fear of public speaking for as long as I can remember. It's much more intense when I'm actually standing in front of a group of people. I have less trouble speaking up when I'm seated with the class.

I'm going into a field where I will probably be required to speak in front of groups, so I'm going to have to find a way to get over this. I do have to take a public speaking class at school. I suppose that might help, but I really need some tips to help me get over this fear.

I made it through my solution in front of the class alright and got the correct answer for maximum bonus points, but I was probably obviously nervous and I stammered a bit. Is this one of those things that you feel more comfortable with the more you do it? Is the key just to speak publicly more often?

[Fumesucker]

1. Practice in public speaking makes perfect

That's the premise of Toastmasters.

http://www.toastmasters.org/

A Toastmasters meeting is a learn-by-doing workshop in which participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a no-pressure atmosphere.

There is no instructor in a Toastmasters meeting. Instead, members evaluate one another’s presentations. This feedback process is a key part of the program’s success.

In my limited experience being thoroughly familiar with your subject matter is a big confidence booster when getting up in front of a crowd.

[Tobin S.]

2. Thank you.

I appreciate the link.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. Most people would rather die than speak in front of a group, my dear Tobin!

And indeed, practice does make perfect. I used to be a bit nervous in front of groups, but when you go to an open mic to read your own poetry, you get over that, and fast.

Toastmasters is also a very good way to get over it.

I know you can do it!

[Tobin S.]

4. Thanks for the vote of confidence, Peggy.

I looked over the Toastmasters web site that Fumesucker and a few others recommended. That absolutely looks like the way to go, but I think it might have to wait for a bit. I live in a small town and the closest meeting that I can attend is 25 miles away. It would probably be like taking another class at school, one that I'd have to drive for a half hour to get to. My schedule is already pretty full.

Maybe if I get a semester where the work load isn't so heavy I'll be able to give it a shot. I'm going to have to make time for that in the future at some point. I will definitely need those skills if I want to go anywhere with my career and I'm ready to tackle this problem.

[postatomic]

5. I've done a little bit over the years

It doesn't bother me anymore. I think you'll get more confident as you do it more. There will always be some jitters but usually the only person who can "see" that is you.

When I have to go freestyle it's a little rough. If I have time to prepare I will actually run through the entire speech in my head several times.

[Denninmi]

6. Absolutely a case of practice makes perfect.

The more you do it, the less it will bother you. It's just a matter of getting experience with it, so that you develop confidence in your abilities.

[mopinko]

7. are there any improv classes near you?

i do not speak from experience, but living in the home of improv comedy, i have often seen/heard it extolled as a great way to break out of public shyness. i think i am kinda funny, and i think it is one of my best assets. my kids are hilarious. being able to fall back on a joke is a great skill.
around here you can get that kind of entry level class in a lot of places, but maybe your school has an improv group.