Uni 101: Overcoming Stage Fright and Delivering the Best Presentations

Being an introvert, bad with the public or any other valid excuses you could come up with is not going to prevent the fact that as a student, you’re going to have to deliver a dozen public presentations in school. It’s inevitable. So the sooner you get used to it the better. You’re going to publicly defend your projects, assignments, field works, IT, etc. You can’t run from it. No excuse is going to save you from it. It may not seem fair, especially considering the fact that it seems the world is specifically designed for extroverts, those that enjoy talking. And doesn’t seem to care about those who don’t know how to. 

But you can either sit inside your room complaining about the unfairness of the world or you can adjust, for your own sake. So, say you’re about to defend your group project. How can you overcome your stage fright and deliver the best presentation that is going to impress your lecturers and press? Here are a few steps:

1. Fight your fear:

The truth is that presentations, in most schools, form the basis for your CA. If you fail to present, it’ll affect your CA. For a very long time, I tried to avoid doing presentations. Then, I preferred to do all the background work needed if it meant not doing the presentations. Sometimes, introverts cut deals like that with their extrovert friends. You do all the groundwork while the good speakers take all your shine when they present. It is not fair, I know. So if you want to change the situation, you’re going to have to face your fears. It is not going to be easy. But it is going to be worth it. Standing on that podium, facing those students can be terrifying but if you can strive hard, to face your fears, you can overcome. Start small. Start from addressing small groups, speaking up more. You may stutter for a while but eventually, as you continue speaking, your voice will steady. You’ll become more confident. You only need to start first. They say wherever there is a will, there is usually a way. Be determined within yourself to do this first. 

2. Understand your subject thoroughly:

What are you speaking on? What are you presenting? Study what you’re presenting thoroughly so that you can have a strong knowledge of your subject. That way, you don’t go up on that stage and make a mess of yourself. Study HARD! 

3. Rehearse very well:

Warriors cannot go into battle without a clear set plan of how to win the battle. Without preparing, they’re more likely to lose. The same can be said for a frightened student struggling to learn how to speak in public. Write down everything you have to say and rehearse them very well. Rehearse until you have every single word crammed into your head. Rehearse until you can say everything even in your sleep. Not to sound dramatic in any way but you’re going into a battle, be prepared!

4. Connect with your audience:

If you’re speaking on a subject you deeply cared about, chances are that you’re likely to connect with the audience on a deep, personal and passionate level. Speak with conviction. Focus on your audience. Make eye contact. Use the right gestures and don’t overdo it. Google and try to learn more about connecting with your audience. 

5. Find a trick and smash it:

I know someone who was so terrified of public speaking. The idea of so many people watching her was too much to assimilate so she found a trick. She had an eye defect that meant she couldn’t see properly. So whenever she wanted to present in class, she removed her eyeglasses. That way, she doesn’t see the people watching her. She glazes over them without seeing them. It makes her feel more confident. Find your trick today – whatever it is that’ll boost your confidence. Use that trick to win. Read up more on public speaking. Start practising in any little way you can until you shred even the littlest bit of stage fright you’ve got burdening you. Walk up on that podium and shine!