Expert: Trevor - 4/12/2009

Question
Hi! So, I need some help, or rather some suggestions. I have a 10 minute presentation coming up that I have to do alone in front of a class. I have to explain a subject, and sort of "be the teacher". It is french immersion, so one of the bad things is that I am not completely fluent in french yet, and so stumble on some sentences occasionally. Anyway, my real problem is that I cannot present in front of people. It is not a fear or anything like that, because I really couldn't care less about talking in front of people except for the fact that I blush way too easily, and turn so red, even if i don't want to- meaning it is uncontrollable! I am a little shy, but not enough to cause the blushing or anything, it is just my face... I think I might have rosacea or something... but i can feel my face growing hot which really annoys me=). And to add to that I stumble on my words. For those two reasons, I find it really hard to present, especially because I know everyone thinks that I am embarrassed, but I am not.  
The other thing is that I have to talk for at least 10 minutes, and I've never before presented for longer than 2 or 3 minutes or without a partner. Do you have any suggestions as to how I can keep on talking fluently without pausing and stumbling, and how I could prepare myself to present for that long? And maybe how I could get over the whole blushing thing, if you have any ideas. Thanks:) -Ashley

Answer
Hey Ashley, as a French speaker myself, I know how hard it is to get up and speak it in front of a class.  Preparation is the biggest part of it, stand in front of a mirror and do your speech over and over until you feel comfortable doing the speech.  Second, do your speech in front of family/friends!  That was always a BIG help for me, if you can do it in front of them, then you can do it in front of your class.  As for turning red, I have no solution for it because I do the same thing!  I know that its hard to deal with, but just imagine how bad it could be!  I am sorry that I couldn't help you with your problem of turning red, but if you do the other strategies I gave you, you should be fine!