I just finished the toughest part of my job. I test software that my company writes for the FAA. We are the only ones who write it, they are our only customer (of this software). Twice a year, we release a major update, adding features the FAA has requested and fixing any bugs that popped up since the last one. Before release, we do what is called an "Acceptance Test" where we show the FAA how we did what they asked for and how it works and so on. They then can "Accept" it that way, or "Reject" it for more changes. I have to present to 20+ people how I tested "my" features and how to use them, their job is to punch holes in my methods and presentation if possible. Other testers show other features. I had to show 4. I found that although a little nervous, I did well, but 4 years ago, I would have passed out from the scrutiny. I was/am proud of myself for not choking under pressure. Wow that's a long post to get to my point: how do YOU do with public speaking / presenting.

[ 03-27-2003, 02:42 PM: Message edited by: realbinky ]

I had to do two presentations in front of the entire class for my English GCSE as well as act out a part of Midsummer Night's Dream (in a group) in front of the class.
I froze during the presentations; first one I broke down and had to be escorted to Reception to recover, second I actually rehearsed ( :D ) and, apart from a few Ums, I was fine.
I got the part of Bottom, the most vocal actor, and I REALLY enjoyed playing it out! I'd thought i'd just stand and recite the lines, instead I was roaring the "And Phoebus' Car
Shall shine from far"
Lines at the top of my lungs, it was real fun!

i crumble under pressure. i had to give a one minute speach once, and i totally failed. i only found out i had to do it that morning so i didn't have time to prepair. i was doomed fromt he begining. i think i was talking about shakespear or something. can't really remmember. this was for my GCSE english wich i managed to scrape a C for (i'm damn pround thank you very much [img]smile.gif[/img] ) if i'd had time to prepair and it was something i like (like TV and computer games and sleeping) then i could of talked for ages, but no i had to talk about bloody shakespear. oh well i probably got an f or lower or that bity but who cares [img]tongue.gif[/img] .

<font color=steelblue>I just avoid it. Why do you think I post on a forum? I dont have to see you.</font> ;) :D :D

Congrats on getting through your presentation, rb!

I don't mind speaking to large groups of people, so long as I know my topic or have had some prep time. But I think everyone gets at least a little nervous in those situations!

<font color=skyblue>No problems here. Although I may not match up the the world's finest influential speakers or members of a public committee...I have had alot of time in front of others. Spending two years in Mexico as a missionary, being given opportunities to speak, not in my native language but in Spanish is what really broke me in. After that, I came back home and was invited by my church to speak in front of the entire congregation (200+ members) at least once every year for the past four years, in both English and Spanish...and I am aspiring to be a Spanish teacher in the near future. Whatever reservations I have about being public with my voice has long since dissapeared.</font>

When I was in my teens I would get very nervous when doing public speaking. The largest group, to date, to which I have spoken is 2500 people. It isn't a problem for me anymore. :D

I've gotten worse at it as I've gotten older, believe it or not.

I love talking in front of people, that's probably because I used to do acting on stage and singing and a few dance numbers [img]tongue.gif[/img] So i've lost the fear of getting up there infront of everyone I know and doing stuff, I think it's a fear every human should have to overcome.

I HATE talking to in front of a group of people. All the eyes watching me really makes me shiver with dread! I swear those eyes are leeching me of my body heat. When the presentation is over , I am a one relieved man! :D