Tips for Students with Stage Fright


On day 1 of public speaking class, I wanted to address the elephant in the room. 


"I know a lot of you are scared of public speaking and you may be dreading this class. I promise that I'm on your side, I won't push you to do anything that I don't know you can accomplish, and we will do this together. You will succeed." 


I so badly wanted my students to know that, even if they were scared, I would help them succeed. Stage fright or speaking anxiety wasn't going to stop them from triumph! That's one reason I taught using the workshop method (found here!) but sometimes for certain students, the anxiety can persist. Here are a few tips you can use for your most nervous students.


1. One of the best ways to combat stage fright is through commonality. 


You might think, "how can MORE of what they are afraid of DECREASE the fear?" So much of public speaking fear is tied to one bad experience or how rarely they have tried. 

I keep this in the back of my mind: More speaking = decreasing fear (eventually). The monster becomes smaller and smaller if they keep practicing. Try different types of speeches to shake it up: demonstrations, persuasive, debates, informative, impromptu, speech games, etc. (Psst, you can find ALL of this in my TeachersPayTeachers store.) But they need to keep going! I tried to get my students up in front of the class, even for 30 seconds or in a game, at least once a week.


2. Let students have autonomy over their topics.


Another way to discuss things you KNOW. If you assign all of your student's topics, it doesn't allow the excitement and confidence the student can gain through seeking more information on a topic that interests them.

I'd also encourage public speaking teachers to not push topics that are specifically ONLY about the student. For some that really struggle with speaking anxiety, talking about themselves only intensifies the spotlight! Try introducing or talking about others or discussing their favorite hobby!

I take exception with persuasive topics just because I want balance and situations where both sides can be embraced. Even then, I give students a list to work from so they can still some autonomy and work within their own interests to keep anxiety lower.


3. Don't make them always stand alone.


Giving speeches doesn't have to be only one student behind the podium. You can shake it up! Have groups give a presentation, have the volleyball players describe the perfect spike, the students that enjoy cooking can come together to demonstrate a new skill, etc. Shake things up and have group speeches every so often. 

It keeps things exciting and gives your most nervous students a little boost and extra support. Try to divy up the stronger students and make sure everyone has a turn to speak. Some speeches WITH others can help immensely!


When you teach public speaking, do what you can to help dispel the speaking anxieties. A little confidence goes a long way! Always write down something they did well. Let them practice in pairs during classtime and get peer feedback. Play games and get them laughing and telling stories! Little by little, each of these choices can chip away at anxiety. 


Do you have another idea to help stage fright for public speaking students? Tell me what it is in the comments below!


Need more support to teach public speaking? Check out my public speaking units on TeachersPayTeachers.




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