Quote:
Originally posted by boowinstheday:
I'm also the reticent type and have had to force myself to speak coherently during office meetings (at first, it was a case of blustering and I was so, so embarassed of myself because everyone would look at me trying to understand what I was trying to say).
These days, especially when I give presentations to say 30-40 pple, I keep telling myself that my bosses are watching me and I had jolly well not foul up! Not the best technique, I know, but it's been relatively effective so far.
Would you have any advice for me, too?
|
You know I've spoken in front of students every day of my teaching career. I've done presentations to groups of teachers (audience of 75-100+) and I have to say that getting up in front of my colleagues is the most stressful situations I know. I too feel that everyone is watching me (including my bosses) and that if I goof up, everyone will notice.
1) Preparation is the key. The more you are prepared, the less nervous you will be. Imagine if you had to give the presentation without any preparation. Wouldn't you be a heck of a lot
more nervous?
2) It's never as bad as you think it is. If you lose your place and it seems to take forever to get back on track, remember that nervousness makes time inch by. You may be standing there for 30 seconds of silence, but it seems like everyone was staring at you for at least 3 minutes.
3) I bet your boss gets nervous too. Imagine if you boss were critical of you for giving a bad presentation. Don't you think you (and everyone else in the office) would be a lot more critical of your boss the next time (s)he gave a presentation?
As a speech teacher there's a lot of pressure. My students always comment when I say "um" or when I forget what I was going to say. I'm held to a higher standard because "You told us not to do that. How can you expect us not to say 'um' when you say it yourself?"
And hey, if your technique (scaring yourself silly) works, great. I might have to try that one myself
------------------
Most Subtle Official Straightman of the Laughing Hyenas -- Grammarian Brigade.
"The only medicine for suffering, crime, and all the other woes of mankind, is wisdom." -- Thomas Huxley