Say Something or Die Trying

6 tips for talking in front of people

Your thoughts (54)

You’re about to speak in front of a group of people or your school’s assembly. You’ve got all your notes memorized. You know exactly what you want to say. You’re so ready for this.

You get to the stage. Everyone is watching and… the words won’t come out. What are you even supposed to be talking about? Why can’t you remember anything? Panic, panic, panic!

There are few people who are just naturally comfortable speaking to large groups of people.

For most, it’s a skill you learn.

Scared of speaking in public? Here are six tips to take the terror out of talking to big groups of people.

Be presentable

Make an effort to look nice. Wear something you feel comfortable in. Wear something appropriate for the occasion. Big secret: it’s not about them. It’s about you. Start building your confidence up early and you’ll feel more natural on stage.

Practice and listen

Practice in front of people you’re comfortable with. Practice in front of a mirror. Just like playing an instrument or a sport, speaking in front of people is something that you get better at the more you do it.

Relax and Breathe

Remind yourself to relax. Breathe through your nose. It will help control your heartbeat and stop you feeling lightheaded or anxious.

Be conversational!

You’re not talking to gods or robots. You’re talking to people just like you. Break down the wall between you and the audience. Ask how they are and talk directly to them.

Keep Going

If you mispronounce some words or forget a part of your speech, do not stop and say sorry! Keep going. Smile. Make eye contact. Confidence is a state of mind.

Know your material!

You do not want to be a stammerer when speaking to a group of people. Are you talking about a subject you don’t know much about? Make use of small notes to remind you of your points. Remember not to stare at them the whole time!

Good luck, girls! And remember: we’ve ALL been there before!

Want to read more inspiring stories like this one? Then head to our Springster Facebook page and connect with a community of girls just like you! - https://www.facebook.com/heyspringster

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Your thoughts

Cassy15

But i always fear the crowd or audience

April 24, 2023, 12:55 p.m.

Nice tips

March 20, 2022, 8:02 p.m.

This is GOOD! What if u love teaching?

March 20, 2022, 8:02 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Oyoo! If you love teaching, it still means that you will be speaking in front of a crowd. So the tips in the story still count. We advise that you follow the steps in the story. We hope this helps.

I'm very good at speaking in public and I'm proud of that!

March 20, 2022, 8:02 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hi can we b friends

Yes we can

helo... can we be friends

Yes we can

i notice that when a person that precedes you is confident and relaxed,you also will be more relaxed and confident

March 20, 2022, 8:02 p.m.

wow excellent! i've try this N its helpful

March 20, 2022, 8:02 p.m.

ok

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

This has happened to me before that when I get to the stage I couldn't speak because I was afraid please what can I do about it

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Angelica22! It happens to a lot of people, you are not alone. Just follow the steps in the article. We hope this helps.

This happens to me a lot I even get over self conscious when I'm around people I'm not close to..

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

It happens to me,how can i overcome it ?

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Micheal! It happens to a lot of people, you are not alone. Just follow the steps in the article. We hope this helps

nice write up dearie

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

I've never stay infront of a group of people and talk. And i want to do so, how 'll i start? Plz help me!

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

"Hey Bilyameen001! It happens to a lot of people, you are not alone. Just follow the steps in the article. We hope this helps "

hw can i handle stage fright

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Splendor! You can start by performing/talking in front of small crowds (family members, friends and neighbours). From there, you move to fairly large crowds in your community and place of worship. This is just to boost your confidence. Once you overcome this, you can overcome anything. We hope this helps.

am not a courageous person at all am always frighten when speaking to my aunt even when i was still in secondary school if i know something or answer to the question being asked i will rather get beaten than to answer the questions not that i didnt know it but too nervous to speak to the audience ..what can i do to stop this

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey debby! Thanks for opening up through this comment. Stopping this is fully dependent on you. Yes, you have to be determined to stop being nervous about speaking in public. You are scared of something and you have to identify what exactly it is that is making you scared. You also need to learn to talk in front of small groups and crowd to get you prepared for a larger audience. Defeat that fear girl! There is really no big deal in talking/speaking up in public. Just imagine you are in the midst of your friends. We believe in you and we are sure you will overcome this. Also, read the tips given in the article and follow them. They will definitely help you. We hope this helps

Thanks alot Big Sister, I av been a big fan of Girl effect and I always read your articles. To be honest they are really helping out. All I need is more opportunities to showcase what I have because I believe that "I'm Good enough! I'm worth it! And I can be whatever I want to be!!! Thank you so much Big Sister, God bless you.

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

Latest Reply

Wow! Kene, you rock! Thank you so much for the kind words. We really appreciate it. Indeed, you are good enough and worth it. This is the true definition of a Springster. So you know what that makes you… Once again, thank you. We live for moments like this and we will keep doing this right. We hope this helps

I give speeches Buh Dat fear is still in me what cud b d cos?

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey surpy! Thanks for opening up through this comment. We have given you lots of tips in the article. We advise that you read through and follow it all. Also, search for #Confidence at the bottom of the page and read so many articles that can boost your confidence. We hope this helps

Am a very shy person.....i don't like being d centre of attention....how do I go about my shyness?

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Debby16! Thanks for opening up through this comment. We have given you tips in the article. Please read them as they will help you overcome your shyness. We hope this helps

Am not shy...i can talk to a large group of people especially in a debate.Bt still i cant talk to people on the assembly

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

I am an introvert,i dont like speaking in public.I prefer quiet things.I dont know how to boost my confidence,i nid help

March 20, 2022, 7:59 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey BarbiePosh! Thanks for opening up through this comment. We have given you tips in the article. Please read them as they will help you overcome your shyness. We hope this helps

Tanks Big Sis

March 20, 2022, 7:59 p.m.

OK

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

ok

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

Thanks,this helped

March 20, 2022, 7:57 p.m.

Thankz

March 20, 2022, 7:55 p.m.

this really helped,i love it,thanks Big sis I love you!!!!!!

March 20, 2022, 7:55 p.m.

Thanks

March 20, 2022, 7:55 p.m.

big sister, pls help me out. it's not as if I can not face crowd, the thing is I'm a stammerer. most of time I raise up my hand to answer questions in class I always stammer and some of my class mate would always laugh it happens in the church too and even at home. I need tips on how to control it..... thank you in advance

March 20, 2022, 7:55 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey tianie! Thanks for the comment. We understand that stammering can make you feel uncomfortable especially when you have to speak in front of people but the good things is that there is a way out. The first and most important thing for you to know is that you should always take your time because the moment you are in a hurry or even anxious to speak, you will definitely stammer. Also, it will help you a lot if you properly structure the words in your head before you say them. This way, it will almost be like you are reading it off a book. We hope this helps

big sister I need ur help.... I've always wanted to speak in public, to answer questions in class and church, but most of time when I try to answer questions in class or church I always stammer. being a stammerer is a great challenge for me, I don't take part in some school activities like debate bcoz I'm afraid that I would stammer while talking and be laughed at, which is very embarrassing.... I need tips on how to control it..... thanks in advance.

March 20, 2022, 7:55 p.m.

I find difficult to read Bible in Bible study

March 20, 2022, 7:54 p.m.

Hammartan has started everyone skin is dry and their lips are all patched up, I can also relate to that. I finished my exam yesterday and watched all chicken girls video I've missed. Happy new month and happy holiday. Thus Christmas we all need that Christmas spirit maybe a Christmas miracle might happen. Good Luck on your exams 🙆. And greet your loved ones for me tell them I'm wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year

March 20, 2022, 7:54 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Gemini! Thanks for the comment. Congratulations on your exams and Merry Christmas in advance.

tnz

March 20, 2022, 7:54 p.m.

Thanks Big Sister

March 20, 2022, 7:54 p.m.

wow tnk u big SIS

March 20, 2022, 7:54 p.m.

big kudos to u

March 20, 2022, 7:54 p.m.

wow! Is this only for girls o both?

March 20, 2022, 7:54 p.m.

Latest Reply

both

wow!👍 nice I love it

March 20, 2022, 7:54 p.m.

Latest Reply

Girls only