how to overcome this fear?

[dentalmon]

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so interviews season is coming (hope that I'll be getting multiple invites).. but I was just wondering if anyone here could help me overcome my fear of public speaking.. Idk why, it seem like all my life, i have been a lil shy when it comes to speaking to strangers(esp. in groups).. .. and esp. when I have to talk and brat about myself.. I mean , i have no problem with meeting ppl .. or talkin to patients one on one.. but just when it seems like when it comes to public speaking or even a simple group presentation in class ..I would automaticlly have a bit of anxiety and feel like ppl are just stairing you down.. Idk.. is that normal?... i was just wondering if anyone here could give me some tips to overcome this.. I really want to overcome this..🙁

thank you very much

 

[bleech]

Public speaking and interviewing are two totally different skills. I still stink at public speaking, but I seem to have gotten over a similar problem with interviewing.
The first thing to know is that the school(s) that you interview at only extend the invitation because they want to talk to you. They are not going to throw you any curve balls, and if you do all your prep work there should not be a question you are unprepared for. I was not asked anything I didn't see on the interview feedback page. It's a great resource. I found that writing out general responses helped me, but don't rehearse it too much because you don't want it to sound that way. Just jot down some general points you want to touch on.
Body language is also a huge part of interviewing. If you stare at the floor or fidget the entire time what you say will not matter. Smile, make eye contact, be friendly but professional, and remember that with few exceptions the interviewers want you to succeed. As uncomfortable as you may be, you will need to practice it. Start out talking to a mirror, and when you feel comfortable ask a counselor or family member to interview you with a short list of questions. Many schools do mock-interviews through their pre-health office. I didn't go that route, but many people find that helpful.
I know that USC and Temple have group interviews (USC isn't really an interview though), but other than that you will be 1-on-1 or 1-on-2 at most, so think of it more as a conversation.
And if all else fails, bring a pocket-shot to take the edge off 😉

 

[beeho]

check your school and see if they have student groups on public speaking. also, check your career or counseling student services office for any mock interview services.