Question: Stage fright!!!!!!!!!!!? Okay, so I made a speech compition, like the top 2. Now, I have to speak...

...in front of all the grade 7 and 8 students, and all the teachers too!!!!! I am in grade 8, I am shy, but somehow, I was not so shy in my first speech presentation. What should I do?? ALSO, I AM NOT POPULAR, AND EVERYONE HATES ME.

ANSWER:

First of all, read over your message to us and see if you can find the things in it that are only pulling you down further.

Did you find them? They're there.

First your title:

"Stage fright!!!!!!!!!!!?": Now does that sound desperate or what?!!!

1. "I have to speak in front of all the grad 7 and 8 students and all the teachers too!!!!!!" : Sounds like you are really scared.Plus you used the words "have to". Do you have to? Who is making you do it?

2. "I am shy...": This is talk that isn't helping you at all if you have to speak in front of a lot of people.

3. "What should I do??: 2 question marks for me is starting to sound desperate.

4. "I AM NOT POPULAR...": A negative phrase in all caps is a double whammie.

5. "EVERYONE HATES ME.": Another double (negative) whammie.

All that is talk that isn't helping you at all, so stop telling yourself those things and thinking about them! It's not helping you at all. Think positive things!

Now let's look at the positive things, the things that you said and that some part of you at least must believe or feel that can help you.

A. "I made a speech competition, like the top 2.": That's great news! Be happy, pleased and proud!

B. "I have to speak in front of all the grad 7 and 8 students and all the teachers too!": Notice how I took out all the exclamation pointw. To me, the way I wrote it means excitement!

C. "I was not so shy in my first speech presentation.": You see, you even said it yourself that it is possible. Try and remember how you felt and what made you feel so comfortable. Re-create that feeling of confidence. If you did it once, you can do it again!

D. Instead of "What should I do??", how about "Does anyone have any suggestions on how to help me relax?".: It's more cool, calm and collected, which is what you will be if you prepare well.

Stay away from the negative things and stick with positive things. If you want still another explaination, have a look at this page on my site for new and aspiring actors. It has to do with how to get over stage fright: http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/how_to_get_over_stage_fright.html

One last thing. Be prepared. Practice. Practice. Practice. The more you practice, the more you will feel comfortable when you are in front of the group. That feeling that no one know this speech better than you, will give you a lot of confidence.

Good luck!

You will be great!