Presentations

[Rhyfelwyr]

Thanks for the replys guys.

Just to note, it's not really the content of the stuff that worries me. It's actually delivering it. Even in small groups of maybe 8 people, my chest will go extremely tight, I can't breathe/swallow right, and it's hard to get two words out without stuttering or pausing.

It's a physical reaction which I don't seem to be able to control.

[Philippus Flavius Homovallumus]

Thanks for the replys guys.

Just to note, it's not really the content of the stuff that worries me. It's actually delivering it. Even in small groups of maybe 8 people, my chest will go extremely tight, I can't breathe/swallow right, and it's hard to get two words out without stuttering or pausing.

It's a physical reaction which I don't seem to be able to control.

It happens, only pratice fixes it. The one thing you can't do is wimp out, you'll be letting yourself and everyone else in the class down, as well as the lecturer.

I gave a presentation to the senior management of my School today, it was the most intimidating thing I have ever done. I locked up for 3-5 seconds at one point. I got out of it by saying, "excuse, me I'm having a moment", and then I kept going.

[Scurvy]

I have similar problems adressing large groups, but as I have had to do presntations monthly for the past year and a bit at uni, i'm getting slightly more comfortable with it --> a few things i'v found to help:

Stand up and walk around - I get nervous, and by moving around I relieve stress and (I think) keep people's attention

Learn the stuff really well - i'v done some presentations and discussions with very little prep, and it is far more uncomfortable. If you know alot about the subject, you know your opinions on the issues are valid, and are better able to discuss them.

Discuss the topic with a friend or family before you do the presentation, so you have an idea of how people might respond.

Look and the corners of a room - I find it really difficult to maintain eye contact with people, and was told by a freind to look at the corners of rooms as it gives people the impression that you are looking towards them. If you have any friends in your class you can aks them to help you out with questions, or to help you start discussion.

Speak deliberately loudly, clearly and slowly.

Smile like a maniac.

In terms of the stage fright thing, I found practice really helped, and also a few drinks before-hand, (enough to relax, but not inhibit performance)

[Centurion1]

dont sweat it

[HopAlongBunny]

If you have time, practice. Present to family/friends; rehearse to the wall :p_ becoming comfortable with the material is key

[Megas Methuselah]

If you have time, practice. Present to family/friends; rehearse to the wall :p_ becoming comfortable with the material is key

Hi, Mr. Echoer. Nice to see you echo my post!

[SwordsMaster]

If you know the topic well, just keep a general structure of the discussion in your mind, most definitely do NOT just read off of a 1000 word paper, people can read by themselves, and if they wanted to read the paper you can just email it to them...

Stand upright, take one encompassing look around the room, take a big breath, smile, and say

'Welcome, thanks for coming, I'm Rhyfelwyr, and today we will talk about blah. I encourage you all to listen and participate, otherwise I will just make you read the paper on your own time...'

You're the Master of Ceremonies. Hell, if you wanted to, you could make the audience read the paper aloud, one person per sentence, with one person only reading even words, or something equally ludicrous. You can dismiss the paper altogether, and instead come up with a graphical representation of what you're discussing, or tell the story in your own words.

Be comfortable in your clothes, keep a glass of water nearby in case you need a second, avoid light shining directly into your face (personal pet peeve, i feel like i should wear sunglasses...), and don't be afraid to ask people to participate. It's your discussion, do with it whatever you want.

[HopAlongBunny]

Hi, Mr. Echoer. Nice to see you echo my post!

Repeating key ideas is essential in any communication transaction :)

(Sorry Megas, didn't read all the posts )

[Boohugh]

Just to note, it's not really the content of the stuff that worries me. It's actually delivering it. Even in small groups of maybe 8 people, my chest will go extremely tight, I can't breathe/swallow right, and it's hard to get two words out without stuttering or pausing.

It's a physical reaction which I don't seem to be able to control.

I used to have to do these sort of things at uni too. For the papers:

1) Make sure you are comfortable with what you have written (read it over a few times on seperate occasions in the days beforehand). Then you'll be more confident with what you need to say and can relax on the day.

2) The natural reaction when doing things like this is to rush through and get it over with as soon as possible - resist that temptation! Take a good deep breath before you start speaking the first time and when you do speak make it deliberately slow (it'll sound normal speed to the people listening, trust me!) and take pauses at suitable moments (e.g. at the end of paragraphs/long sentences, basically any time you have finished a point and are moving onto another one). That will also give you time to take another deep breath and read what you are going to say next, so you always know what is coming up.

3) Although it can be difficult, try to look up when speaking (a task made easier if you have done point 1 and know roughly what you are saying). The audience will feel much more engaged if you look at them.

For the discussions it is slightly more complicated. The same points regarding reading the papers also apply here. I'd also agree with the others than being prepared on the subject is vital and will help with confidence. As chair, your main aim is to get as many people as possible involved in the debate. Don't be afraid of asking people for their opinion directly if things start to go quiet - especially if they haven't said anything so far. It may seem mean picking people out, but it's for their own good in the long run.

It all comes down to confidence. Even if you don't have it - fake it! You can talk to all of us on this forum just fine, try to take that confidence into the seminar room with you.

Hope this helps and good luck .

[Beefy187]

Just pretend your someone else.
Act the character... Wear mask if you have to

That helps immensely.