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Why can't I talk easily in front of my class?

281 Answers
Last Updated: 05/28/2022 at 8:22am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Elena Morales, LMHC

Licensed Professional Counselor

I believe silence creates a cycle. With empathic and collaborative therapy, we break the cycle. I help clients feel validated and supported passed anger, shame, and anxiety.

Top Rated Answers
Starkin404
November 17th, 2015 6:58pm
Public speaking is a very common fear. Many people have this same struggle. The way I've found to overcome this fear is to simply ignore the class and talk as if you're speaking to one person.
OnlineFriend123
December 8th, 2015 4:43pm
One of the top fears a human being has is public speaking. Why? Our brains are designed to identify danger, and one of the most dangerous things is being outside the group. Our brains like us to fit in, and to not stand out in a bad way. It's okay to feel anxious, but just remember, you aren't actually in danger-- your brain is just fooling you!
Anonymous
February 22nd, 2015 5:07am
Everyone can gets nervous. Try to prepare your speech, practice in front of a mirror. Knowing the content you're talking about is crucial and confidence comes with practice. In addition, you can try to avoid looking directly at any specific person when you are doing your speech.
Gingersnaps77
June 17th, 2015 8:32pm
Talking in front of people can be very tough sometimes. Some people feel anxiety, which is being very nervous or worried. If what you are feeling begins to stop you from everyday things, I would consult the 7 Cups anxiety guide as soon as possible. When you get through it, why don't you message me back and let me know what you've learned?
Anonymous
July 27th, 2015 9:25pm
A lot of people struggle with this and it can be a number of things such as shyness and anxiety. It's perfectly normal for you to feel this way but if you feel it is getting the better of you Self Confidence Courses may help.
DreamySunshine
June 5th, 2015 8:54pm
I couldn't talk easily either but from now on while presenting I try to think, they're my friends that I've known for a while, they're like me, we all get a bit excited it's super normal, no one will laugh at you, it's not like the president is sitting in front of you. Just remember that you're awesome :)
HealingLotus
April 11th, 2015 12:15am
Actually public speaking is one of the most feared things, more feared than death. You are in good company for sure. Most people can't take the pressure of feeling that they may mess up or are on the spot. Having this fear is perfectly normal. If you want to get better at public speaking, then start doing it more. talk in front of your parents, friends etc. practise makes perfect, I guarantee it.
ListenLady
September 8th, 2015 10:24am
Public speaking is a common problem for a lot of people, including myself. Sometimes for some people it's hard for them to talk naturally in front of a group of people no matter how large or small. It can be difficult because it is something you are not used to doing.
Anonymous
December 28th, 2015 1:17am
You can't talk easily in front of your class maybe because you lack of self confidence, you're anxious or maybe because you're just afraid to fail.
verspentine
July 19th, 2017 2:39am
Sometimes it is really easy to get nervous or have "butterflies in our tummies". This nervousness is common in everyone. The best thing to do is, like my mother would say, "Imagine everyone is naked!" It may not work for everyone, but it works for me! :)
Anonymous
December 28th, 2015 1:04pm
Because you are afraid of messing up, but you won't, talking in front of your class increases your confidence so that you can talk easily in front of people in the future so think positively and you can do it!
purelight
November 11th, 2016 6:37pm
I understand that the thought of talking in front of large number of people make you squirm? but you are not alone, so many others have the same problem. Many people in the world suffer from mild to extreme shyness and are struggling to overcome it. To overcome shyness, you'll need to understand the circumstances that trigger your shyness, work to change your mental state and perspective regarding those circumstances, and practice putting yourself in comfortable and uncomfortable conversations until you've worked through the worries holding you back. Remember that breaking out of your shell doesn't magically happen overnight. It takes time, effort, and of course, the desire to change.
Anonymous
January 12th, 2016 12:55pm
It will take some time. You're problaly nervous about reaction and that's why you can't talk easily in front of your class.
LifeWithoutYouIsNewToo
August 10th, 2015 7:32am
Maybe something in your past has made you become very shy, the only way to get through this shyness is by breaking out of your comfort zone. Every once in a while try raising your hand and answering something. It'll make you feel a lot more comfortable.
Anonymous
December 21st, 2015 1:03pm
It is normal to be excited and our voice starts to shake when we need to be in spot light, just take deep breath and prepare your presentation or speech and everything will be OK, i had the same problem before ;)
Anonymous
March 30th, 2017 1:24am
I haven't looked into the psychology of it, buta great many people feel anxious talking in front of their peers or a large group of people. This can cause you to speak unusually quickly, giving you less time to carefully think out what you're saying, and result in pauses between premises and ideas
CoffeeTeaAndHonesty
March 31st, 2015 10:34pm
In general, most people have trouble speaking in front of a class. While they may appear confident on the outside, it's likely that they are actually just as nervous as you are. That being said, those who do feel comfortable with public speaking tend to be extroverts and/or have a lot of exposure to speaking to crowds.
Anonymous
April 11th, 2015 10:01am
Because there's a number of requirements one must have in order to be able to talk easily in front of a class. They are things like: * Feeling okay with yourself and among other people. * Feeling that you matter *Feeling that your opinion matters *Feeling that you are an okay person and are welcome If instead you feel that you're not okay, that you're not good enough, that people don't like you and things like that, you will have a hard time feeling at ease talking to your class. TL;DR: If you don't feel at ease talking in front of a class, it's because you don't feel completely secure in yourself. Talking in front of a class only brings it out.
HelpfulNick95
July 13th, 2015 3:40am
Talking in front of groups in general can be hard for people, but it's nothing to be ashamed of. A lot of people have a fear of public speaking. Some easier ways to combat this fear is to do some deep breathing exercises to relieve stress before presenting, or, instead of making eye contact with someone, stare at the back wall, just above the heads of the people when you look up from your paper. This will give the illusion that you are looking at the crowd, but not make you feel nervous. Another thing I do personally is that if you have the opportunity, don't be the first or last to share. Those are the people who are remembered the most, and this fact alone gives you a sense of reassurance.
Hameidolol
February 22nd, 2015 1:38pm
Talking in front of the class, or presenting yourself to people is a skill, that's nurtured by practice. Keep practicing in front of the mirror, with your family, close friends, then go public. Boost your self confidence, by working on your look, the way you talk, and accepting your imperfection.
Anonymous
September 23rd, 2017 1:15am
Public speaking is a serious form of social anxiety that affects many people! We cannot tell you why specifically it causes you difficulty, because we are not you, but the people here might be able to offer some possible reasons to help you come to your own conclusion. Some possible reasons are general social anxiety, or anxiety in groups, or performance anxiety, different fears such as fear of rejection, or fear of being unheard, fear of forgetting your lines, or fear of being teased or laughed at, for example. Having trouble speaking in front of a class or group of people doesn't mean you don't have other strengths, or that you are incapable of working with others in other situations,. It's okay to feel this way. It's very possible some of your classmates also struggle with this. Ultimately, determining the reason might help you cope with this, but you can still explore ways to get through front-of-class talks while you figure out the reason. Sharing your experiences with public speaking can help you find like-minded indivduals, clues as to the reason(s), and possible techniques to help you get through it. Some examples of coping with speaking in a large group are rewarding yourself after it's all done and keeping your mind on that reward through the presentation; looking to the back of the room just above everyone's heads while presenting; keeping note cards is not a bad thing either; using a prop as part of your speech so that you have something to distract yourself with actively and maybe even 'shield' yourself with; take class speaking seriously but not too seriously, and forgive yourself for any mistakes you might make. You're only human and no human can possibly be perfect, especially when they are under pressure! Good luck!
Anonymous
December 16th, 2017 8:59pm
You might just be afraid of speaking to a large crowd or you might have social anxiety. Just remember to breathe, speak clearly and focus on speaking and not the crowd watching.
Oreo
July 20th, 2015 2:31pm
Fear of public speaking has been shown to be more prevalent that the fear of death, and that says a lot about how we as a species would literally rather die than embarrass ourselves. Public speaking is a skill and a deed that requires a lot of talent or a lot of practice. Some people find that accidentally saying the wrong thing throws them completely off track, and that can be a terrifying thought, which can further derail the focus of the speaker. One way I find that would help with public speaking is to rest assured of the knowledge that, if I ever mess up, it only takes one moment of breathing and I can say "Sorry, I meant ____." or "Whoops!" or even just move on without anyone noticing I screwed up. If I screw up, all that it takes to move forward in the speech is to say the next word. Once that's out, I can usually continue speaking. Another way I overcome nerves is to become recklessly unembarrassed about people judging me. That's something I had to work on, and it's very useful in more than just speech, but in overall expression of my opinions as well.
Anonymous
February 22nd, 2016 11:25am
You may lack confidence, it may occur if you're not prepared that may cause uncomfortableness about yourself, Just be sure that you prepare yourself everyday to communicate with everyone, and to present yourself to everyone, speaking in front of the class is one of the things that may form you or break you so just make yourself comfortable, by thinking that everyone does this thing everyone experienced talking in front of the classroom so there's no reason for me to not be able to do it. Tip: if you are talking in front just talk like you know what you are saying speak louder just speak about the topic and just think that I am representing myself to everyone and I must do a better job. 👍
Anonymous
October 19th, 2016 3:55am
It might be because you're anxious about what your peers might think of you, and/or you're scared of them judging you, and that's perfectly fine, we all feel anxious from time to time, and unwillingly stress about the smallest things. I would suggest speaking in front of a few people whom you trust and feel comfortable around, as slowly increase the number of people you speak to, in no time you will overcome the inability to speak in front of your class with ease.
Anonymous
September 15th, 2016 9:50pm
Everyone have different problems with public speaking because some feel like they will be judged or someone might not like what they have said. But if you imagine that everyone is not there, public speaking will be easy for you.
Anonymous
September 24th, 2016 6:30pm
Oh boy, I sucked at talking in front of class. Absolutely horrendous. Ums/uhs/ers everywhere. The honest answer is that you're too afraid of sounding/looking bad in front of your peers. And that fear is inhibiting you and only serving as a self-fulfilling prophecy. I dealt with it by simply taking deep breaths and clearing my mind as best as possible. Hyper-focus on what you need to say and say it. Fake confidence if you have to.
Anonymous
October 11th, 2016 8:43am
You are probably embarassed to fail. In that case, study up on public speaking and chum up with a few of your classmates so you don't feel so nervous.
SeekerOfHappiness01
October 6th, 2016 12:13pm
The most common cause is anxiety, It is also possible that you just worry about rejection or having the wrong answer.
Anonymous
September 16th, 2016 8:36pm
Due to my self-esteem, I have problems talking to a large amount of people that have their attention on me specifically, as well as new people in any amount of size.