Public speech phobia. What should I do?

Okay, I'm a high school student and I'm very self conscience and just can't act right when I'm the center of attention.





The thing is, I have to do a presentation at school, I have to stand right in front of the entire class AND the teacher and just talk about a certain subject (which ironically is PHOBIAS!)





I get extremely nervous when I have to speak in public, my hands and legs shake, I sweat, I lose my breath and start rambling and saying things that don't make any sense. I know I probably have "Social Anxiety Disorder" but I really don't know what to do to hide the symptoms. I don't want anyybody to notice my anxiety.





What should I do?





Thanks in advance.

Public speech phobia. What should I do?
From the moment you walk into the class you have to feel empowered. Convince yourself that you are in control of what is going on and what you are saying is interesting and that the class wants to and needs to hear it. Kind of like picturing them in their underwear, it is about realizing that they are not a threat to you. You are strong and informed and they are nothing to worry about. Get into what you are talking about, keep your mind occupied with the subject matter so you don't have time to think about being nervous. Take deep breaths and keep telling yourself it is no big deal. You are confident and intelligent and can do it.


Keep your hands down if they are shaky or hold on to the podium if your legs are, and clear your throat if your voice wavers.





Good luck!
Reply:You are just like the rest of us. Start by practicing in front of small groups of people you are comfortable with. When it comes down to the real deal you just have to grit your teeth and go for it.
Reply:I have the same problem,but i only shake.Just tell yourself you can do it.Just go up and read your paper,you'll probably shake so move your paper from one hand to the other,every so often.Good luck!
Reply:No worry,


just start, the adrenalin will damped after less than 5 min but you should have good message to delver to them, remember that they don't know what you want to tel them, you will be the source of knowledge
Reply:Practice your presentation in front of your closest friends or your mom several times. But the key to a good presentation is a good self esteem. Knowing the theme of your presentation from top to bottom and learning all the details around it , makes you strong enough to face any audience. So go ahead now study your presentation and hope for the best! Good luck!
Reply:Public speaking is hard for most! It is more feared than death.





I am extremely shy, but it is a requirement to take public speaking here. The best advice I can give you is to be prepared and practice (apparently 12 times- says my public speaking teacher). Make sure you make eye contact with the whole room. And if you have problems projecting your voice, pretend like you are speaking to someone in the very back of the room.





But the only advice that ever comforted me with public speaking is knowing that it won't last forever. Just think when you wake up that morning that in less than 7 hours it will all be over and you will be at home surfing the net, listening to music, or whatever it is that you do. The way I see it is this: Most teachers won't fail you for at least trying.