Rehearsing the presentation, being fimiliar with the content and knowing your target group is the best remedy.
I always start a new class by being prepared. I believe in introducing myself and my background which includes letting them know that I am a veteran of the Army and Air National Guard. I give them a brief history and go over my expectations. I always stress to please talk to me if they have issues. That I can't help them if they don't talk to me. Nine times out of ten behavior issues are related to problems at home or fears. I strongly discourage bullying in my classroom or disrespect. I have had great success with taking time out to talk to my students on a one on one basis.
Of course best way is to fully prepare yourself for course lecture and have an outline to follow in hand. Other ways are to simply have a productive life outside of teaching. Go to the gym and work out regularly, go out with your friends or significcant other to watch movie and the like.
Someone had mentioned Toastmasters which I'm a member of. I'd agree in that I cannot say enough positive things the organization has done for me as far as communication skills and more both on a personal and professional level.
I have found by preparing thoroughly, it removes my anxiety. Knowing the subject matter and being able to discuss it intelligently with students has been a key factor for me.
Besides practicing your lectures/activities, go over it with another instructor. They can give you a different view or at least say what things may go through a student's mind while you were presenting information. It also helps confirm that your information is relevant. I regularly show my powerpoints and exams to the other instructors in my department. Their responses increase my confidence so I don't second guess myself in front of students. Having a bottle of water on hand also helps with the left over nerves or dry mouth after speaking so much.
Sir,
What was it about Toastmasters that was / is so valuable? I don't really know much about them.
As others have mentioned, preparation is key to reducing anxiety. I would also add that anticipating questions or need for clarification can go along way. Thank you for this discussion.
Some of the ways in which I have used to reduce anxiety before the start of each new class is to ensure that I am prepared for class, have reviewed the list of names of the students so their names are not unfamiliar to me when I go into the classroom, and do an ice breaker at the start of each class. This helps to get to know the students and build rapport. This knowledge can help moving forward with the class, especially when I am discussing the expectations of the class, classroom rules, etc.
i always tell my student teachers that the three Cs help overcome anxiety or nerves: competence, confidence and compassion.
Hi Liz,
Preparation is key! It is human nature to be nervous because you want to do well; just do not let the nervousness over take you.
Patricia Scales
Hi TIMOTHY,
Preparation is a must. I can tell you get ready for your lectures! Continue to have great preparation skills, and you will keep winning.
Patricia Scales
Hi Susan,
I like how you use humor to help you and your students relax. I especially like how you make the humor applicable to the course.
Patricia Scales
Hi Shakil,
Great list to help reduce anxiety.
Patricia Scales
Hi DONNA,
That's right! This is a golden opportunity to do some rapport building with your students. I also like to be the last person to leave the room at the end of class; this too is a golden opportunity for rapport building.
Patricia Scales
You can reherse your lecture and know the material you will present. I used to make myself nervous before getting up to speak in front of a large audience. I found that if I get nervous beforehand, I did better, probably because my blood sugar was higher, and the adrenaline was flowing.
I think most of our anxieties stem from fear of making mistakes and thereby appearing incompetent. Aside from experience, I think the best approach is meticulous preparation, repetition and rehersal. Visualize standing before the class/audience; use an informal statement to break the ice and then go with it.
I believe good preparation is the key.
(Visualizing everybody naked doesn't work!)
I over prepare. I restructure my lectures if I think the content did not go over well the last time I taught it.
I tell some jokes. I pass around medically-related cartoons. These funnies are for me, too. Makes me smile and relax.
By over preparing and asking for help and being more organised and professional
I agree- be prepared. I also get to the classroom 10 or 15 minutes early. You can start your rapport with the students easier.
I have found that if I look over my students' heads when speaking to them for the first time helps me not to be so nervous and they think I am making eye contact :)
