Practical tasks for intermediate students to help them overcome stage fright and nervousness:

1. Progressive Public Speaking Practice:

   • Objective: Gradually increase comfort with speaking in front of others.
   • Task: Break students into small groups and assign them progressively challenging speaking tasks over several sessions.
     • Session 1: Have students introduce themselves and share a fun fact within their small group.
     • Session 2: Each student presents a 2-minute talk on a familiar topic (e.g., a favorite hobby) to their group.
     • Session 3: Groups merge into larger groups, and each student presents a 3-minute talk on a prepared topic.
     • Session 4: Conduct a class-wide presentation where each student delivers a 5-minute speech.
   • Reflection: After each session, have students reflect on their experience, noting improvements and remaining challenges.

2. Visualization and Relaxation Techniques:

   • Objective: Use visualization and relaxation methods to manage anxiety.
   • Task: Guide students through a series of relaxation exercises.
     • Step 1: Lead a guided visualization session where students close their eyes and imagine successfully giving a speech. Encourage them to visualize the setting, the audience, and their confident delivery.
     • Step 2: Teach deep breathing exercises and have students practice them. Encourage students to use these techniques before and during their presentations.
     • Step 3: Combine visualization and breathing exercises. Have students visualize giving a speech while practicing deep, slow breaths.
   • Practice: Encourage students to use these techniques before any speaking activity in class and reflect on their effectiveness.

3. Peer Feedback and Support System:

   • Objective: Build confidence through constructive peer feedback and support.
   • Task: Create a structured peer feedback system.
     • Step 1: Pair students and have each pair present a short speech on a given topic.
     • Step 2: After each presentation, partners provide feedback focusing on positive aspects and one or two areas for improvement, using a feedback form to guide their comments.
     • Step 3: Rotate pairs so students can receive diverse feedback from different peers.
   • Support: Encourage students to discuss their nervousness and share tips and strategies with their peers. Create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable expressing their anxieties and celebrating each other's progress.
   • Follow-up: Have students reflect on the feedback received and set specific goals for improvement in future presentations.

These tasks help students incrementally build their public speaking skills, learn effective techniques for managing anxiety, and benefit from a supportive learning environment.