DR. WALLACE: Whenever I have to speak before an audience or class, I get so nervous that my body actually shakes.

Last week I had to give a report in History and besides the shakes, my hands were clammy and my voice cracked.

Knowing that I will have to talk to groups again because I plan to go to college, is there any way to overcome this fear? — Kelly, Dyersburg, Tenn.

KELLY: Every speaker has a certain amount of "butterflies," but experienced speakers usually lose these once the speech is under way.

Here are a few tips that work for me. I hope you find them helpful:

1. Don't memorize your speech, but know your subject matter well.

2. Use note cards whenever possible (jot key words and ideas on the cards).

3. Practice your speech in front of a mirror looking yourself in the eye.

4. Know something about your audience.

5. Be aware of your hands and what they are doing.

6. Keep constant eye contact with your audience.

7. Whenever possible, use a rostrum.

I AGREE WITH YOUR FATHER

DR. WALLACE: I enjoy singing and I sing at home all the time. My mother, who plays the piano when I sing, thinks I have a lovely voice.

Last week, I tried out for our church choir. I had to sing a cappella. They wouldn't allow my mother to accompany me on the piano. I was nervous, but thought I did a pretty good job. My mother thought so, too.

Yesterday, they posted the new choir members. My mother and I went to the church and we were shocked to find out that I didn't make the list. My mom called the choir director who told her that my voice was "immature" and I should try out again next year. My mom got mad and told him that his head was immature and that we were going to find a new church.

Now my dad is upset with my mother because he has been attending this church since he was a child. He thinks my mother is wrong and my mother thinks she's right and is sticking up for me because I don't have an "immature" voice. I'm 13 and my voice is clear as a bell. Who do you think is right, my mother or my father? No lectures are needed. — Karla, Jackson, Miss.

KARLA: I agree with your father!

LOVE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IT

DR. WALLACE: I' m 16 and my boyfriend is 21. My mother read my diary and found out that my boyfriend and I have been having sex. She said she was going to call the authorities and have him arrested for statutory rape. How can this be? He did not rape me. We made love together. — Nameless, Miami, Fla.

NAMELESS: Statutory rape occurs when an adult (your boyfriend) has consensual sexual relations with a minor (you). Love has nothing to do with it. Your boyfriend committed statutory rape, and if convicted, could spend time behind bars.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.