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Need advice on how to stay calm for a presentation I have to give on Monday

MRSJLK Posted:

Need advice on how to stay calm for a presentation I have to give on Monday

I have to give a small presentation Monday to about 30 people and I am so nervous. My part is only about 5 min long but I am wreck. I am terrible at giving them and there is no way out of it.

When it is close to my turn my heart will start to pound so loud, and my stomach just turns into a complete knot. Then when I speak, I turn beat red, my voice gets shaky and I am a mess. HOW DO I STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING???

Some people are so lucky who can just talk in front of a large group of people with no problem, I wish I was like that. AND in May I am gonna have to do an All Staff presentation in front of 90 people - which seriously, might make me want to quit my job

HELP anyone have any advice??
wc0143 Posted:

Re: Need advice on how to stay calm for a presentation I have to give on Monday

I have no advice, just hugs because I am the SAME EXACT WAY!!!!

It sucks!!!
BMD'sPeanut Posted:

Re: Need advice on how to stay calm for a presentation I have to give on Monday

Xanax!

MRSJLK Posted:

Re: Need advice on how to stay calm for a presentation I have to give on Monday


Posted by BMD'sPeanut

Xanax!



WHATS THAT?
Anniegrl Posted:

Re: Need advice on how to stay calm for a presentation I have to give on Monday

Just be confident. I know that sounds way too simple, but if you know what you're talking about, you have nothing to be afraid of. Or, do what Marcia Brady did and picture everyone in their underwear
Good luck!
HearzBellz Posted:

Re: Need advice on how to stay calm for a presentation I have to give on Monday

um, I would not try xanex for the presentation if you have not tried it before...although it could help it might backfire

I just try to pretend that I am talking to someone I trust, like my DH or a friend...that usually works.

Have you considered taking a Public Speaking course at a local college...it might help for your future presentation.
MRSJLK Posted:

Re: Need advice on how to stay calm for a presentation I have to give on Monday


Posted by Anniegrl

Just be confident. I know that sounds way too simple, but if you know what you're talking about, you have nothing to be afraid of. Or, do what Marcia Brady did and picture everyone in their underwear
Good luck!



It's knowing that everyone is looking at me that makes me nervous
BMD'sPeanut Posted:

Re: Need advice on how to stay calm for a presentation I have to give on Monday


Posted by HearzBellz

um, I would not try xanex for the presentation if you have not tried it before...although it could help it might backfire




you're probably right.
HearzBellz Posted:

Re: Need advice on how to stay calm for a presentation I have to give on Monday


Posted by BMD'sPeanut


Posted by HearzBellz

um, I would not try xanex for the presentation if you have not tried it before...although it could help it might backfire




you're probably right.



LMAO the scene from 'Sixteen Candles' came to mind!!
TwoBugs Posted:

Re: Need advice on how to stay calm for a presentation I have to give on Monday


Posted by Soontobekunz


Posted by Anniegrl

Just be confident. I know that sounds way too simple, but if you know what you're talking about, you have nothing to be afraid of. Or, do what Marcia Brady did and picture everyone in their underwear
Good luck!



It's knowing that everyone is looking at me that makes me nervous



I know this feeling all too well!!
But the #1 thing is to be confident. Know your stuff - rehearse it well, but stay loose and make it seem like it hasn't been rehearsed. (Does that make sense?)

Look briefly at everyone in the room - like superficial eye contact. Let them know that you are looking at them and judging them just as they are doing the same to you.

Finally, wear an outfit you love and feel beautiful in. This way you won't care if everyone is looking at you, because you'll look HOT!

Good luck!
Anniegrl Posted:

Re: Need advice on how to stay calm for a presentation I have to give on Monday


Posted by Soontobekunz


Posted by Anniegrl

Just be confident. I know that sounds way too simple, but if you know what you're talking about, you have nothing to be afraid of. Or, do what Marcia Brady did and picture everyone in their underwear
Good luck!



It's knowing that everyone is looking at me that makes me nervous



I know what you mean - I just had to do a 30 minute presentation a couple of weeks ago. But again, if you are confident in what it is you're talking about, there's no reason to be afraid. Practice in front of friends to help get used to talking in front of people.
A 5 minute presentation is a piece of cake! You can do it
MRSJLK Posted:

Re: Need advice on how to stay calm for a presentation I have to give on Monday

thanks everyone!!!! I'll keep you posted
Chloegirl Posted:

Re: Need advice on how to stay calm for a presentation I have to give on Monday

I do lots of trainings for large groups so I know how you feel!

My advice is to practice, practice, practice. The better you know your piece the more comfortable and confident you will be.
BlondeJD Posted:

Re: Need advice on how to stay calm for a presentation I have to give on Monday

I've had to give lots of presentations and even though I never think I'm doing a good job, I've been told that I'm actually really good--so here's my advice:

-rehearse: if you've got your material down and don't need to read from notes, you'll more likely to feel (and be perceived as) more confident. Also, the more you rehearse, the less likely you are to use 'space fillers' such as 'um.'

-if you're at a podium or table, grab the sides or top of table (not for dear life though!!). This way, you're less likely to start fidgeting which can be distracting for your audience.

-as someone else said, make brief eye contact with various people in the room.

-don't drink coffee!!! It will just make you jittery and the acidity could make your stomach issues worse.

I'm sure you'll do great!! Good luck!

MrsTC Posted:

Re: Need advice on how to stay calm for a presentation I have to give on Monday

picture everyone in their undies!

winnietoots Posted:

Re: Need advice on how to stay calm for a presentation I have to give on Monday

i know exactly what you mean. i get the same way too. i think you should practice as much as you can. the more prepared you feel, hopefully the less nervous you will be when the time comes. also, try to find a friendly face and pretend like you're talking to them. that helps me sometimes. and remember, it's only 5 minutes. good luck! i'm sure you'll do great!

HappyLady05 Posted:

Re: Need advice on how to stay calm for a presentation I have to give on Monday

The best way to feel comfortable is to feel confident. To be able to feel confident, practice your presentation and remember that you are presenting new information (i hope ) and you know more than your audience. Wear something comfortable and if you are able to, not sure where or what you are presenting, doing a powerpoint or having some visual aide, takes the audiences eyes off of you. hope this helps
eroxgirl Posted:

Re: Need advice on how to stay calm for a presentation I have to give on Monday

I took a speech class not too long ago, and I learned a few basic tips.

1. Remember to breathe!!

2. Speak slowly and clearly - if you're nervous and you speak quickly you'll only sound more nervous. You don't want your audience to focus on what you're saying, not how you're feeling.

2. Smile - it will reduce your nervousness (believe it or not, it helps)

3. Rehearse! The better you know your stuff, the more confident you will be.
AndreaLMT Posted:

Re: Need advice on how to stay calm for a presentation I have to give on Monday

Take Bach flower essence 'Rescue Remedy'.
You can get it in health food stores.
lorsin Posted:

Re: Need advice on how to stay calm for a presentation I have to give on Monday

It's kind of the same principle as keeping calm on your wedding day. If something goes a little wrong or doesn't get said, who's really going to know?

Stay confident. Project your voice (the more you can 'push' your voice out the stronger it will sound, and cover the shaking). Know your material.

Believe in yourself!!

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