Presentation Anxiety ...

Not sure why I have some, but I'm flying to Atlanta tomorrow for a conference where I have to do a presention for work to about 35 people. I've been practicing, but still am a bit nervous ... any words of inspiration ....

Just wanted to say Good Luck!

Rehearse in front of the mirror.

Also picture people in the crowd in their underwear, isn't this what they say to do?

Coming from a school that has made me do over 23 presentations in 3 years to classes of 50+ let me tell you what helps me!

1. Right before you speak - take one deep breath and count to 3 before you start

2. If you are using powerpoint - DO NOT READ OFF IT!!!! Can't stress that one enough

3. If you will be standing but not talking or standing still because someone else is talking, to keep from figeting, put your arms at your side and touch your thumb to your middle finger. It might feel weird to you but looks totally natural to everyone else.

4. Move while you speak - dont stay totally still or people get bored

5. If you haven't done powerpoint but will be using it - be MINIMAL. The more people have to read off the screen the less they will be focused on you

If you need any other advice let me know!!!

Cira, just be your usual intelligent, poised self, and you will do GREAT!

Godd luck, and let us know how it goes!!

Thank you so much ... Olgaki for the tips and Jennbaby and JennRenee for the vote of confidence. I will back on Wednesday and will let you know how I did!!!

Cira, you'll do great !

As Jenn said, be YOURSELF !! I never get too nervous for presentations. I always think 'Why should I be nervous ? These are people like ME !! Whats to be nervous about ????' Why should THESE PEOPLE be cause for YOU to be nervous? What do they have that should intimidate you??? (this is just some 'power thinking' LOL)

I recently did a 'first grade lesson' in my grad class as if they were first graders, and I just pictured them all as first graders, and went to town... 'hello BOYS AND GIRLSSSSSS, How are YOU TODAY????? !' LOL.

Seriously though, think about it. Whats to be nervous about ? Youre all human, no one is PERFECT, ANYONE can make a mistake, everyone sitting and watching you, think of them as NICE PEOPLE, that youre just having a friendly conversation with, youre telling them about something.

Dont look at it as this HUGE CROWD and you this one person alone at the end. Youre ALL in this one room, and YOU're talking to them about something.
Loosen up, smile, THEY will feel more comfortable listening to you and the eye contact and smiles back will make you feel more comfortable....

Hope I didnt blab too much. Make yourself as COMFORTABLE up there, as they are in their seats.

Take a sip of water before going up there ! =)
Speak loud and clear !

You'll DO GREAT !

Anna, you are so right!!!!!!!!!!!

Cira you will be great!! Take a deep breath and run with it!!!!!

I'm sorry I missed you Cira, but I will be thinking of you!! I'm sure you will do just fine!! Like Jennbaby said, pretend their in their underwear (hey it worked for Marcia on her road test in the Brady Bunch!) !!!

I'm sure you are going to totally wow them just by being wonderful you!!!!

Good Luck...you will do just fine. You are a very smart cookie.
Best of luck to you

Thank you everyone ... the presentation went well ... I don't know why I got so nervous before. But I keep thinking about the encouragment on this board!!!
Anna ... they are just people right?
You ladies are wonderful .... thanks again!!!

Oh Cira, I'm so glad everything went well!! I knew it would!!!

Edited to say WELCOME BACK!!!!!!

You GO girlie girl !!!

hey, glad it went well