Presentations

[Rhyfelwyr]

For my Uni course next week, I am supposed to chair the class in a seminar discussion (lasts about 1 hour). This means I have to more or less direct the discussion etc. I've also got a couple of presentations to do in the coming weeks, which basically means reading out an 1,000 word paper.

In the past, the seminar presentations have not been fun experiences. A couple of times, I've done OK in that I actually read through it. I just keep my head down and read, even though you're not really supposed to, means I get lower marks but I can live with that. At other times though, my voice just goes, chest seizes up and all, 'tis a horrible experience. On other sites I've heard people talk of similar problems, and they say they often just skip the classes. But I have went to them all so far, thinking back I don't know why I do go unquestioningly. Anyway, as you can imagine, it's not fun when this happens, and its horrendeously awkward.

So, I am quite worried about chairing this discussion. This will be worse than just reading a paper. I'm at a loss as to what to do. It's OK to muck up a paper, but this class will be revolving around me. I don't really see any other option than not going. Of course, it will be obvious to my tutor why I'm not there. I've not said a word in my history seminars so far this year, but I guess he know's its not cause I'm lazy since he taught the course that I got the prize for last year (out of over 100 students as well ).

Being a gaming forum, I guess some of you might have found yourselves in a similar predicament. If so, got any advice?

[Strike For The South]

Make them luagh and don't worry about what they think.

[TinCow]

Sounds like you've just got stage fright. Everyone feels like that when they're first getting used to public speaking. The key is to know what you're talking about. If you have to direct a class discussion, make sure you know your topic well beforehand. Then structure the class according to the topic. Find a general question to ask that covers the entire topic, or if you can't do that, do a brief overview of the topic and then pick a specific question to start with. Hypotheticals also work well. The questions should be broad and open to interpretation, then solicit the class for answers to the questions you're asking.

If you get responses, great. Let them speak as much as they want to, then follow up their points with further questions. If you agree with their points, ask your questions in a manner which moves the class towards the next point about the topic you're discussing. If you disagree with their points, ask pointed questions about why they think particular things, and mention aspect of the topic that you are aware of which you think show flaws in their analysis.

If you don't get any responses, then you've got to answer your own question to keep things moving. Do so in a gradual way, leaving the floor open for someone to speak up whenever possible (since that's what you want to encourage).

In this way, move through your mental (or physical) outline of the topic until you've covered the whole thing or run out of time. In general, running out of time is always better, particularly in a classroom setting. So, come with as broad an outline as possible and make sure you've got enough questions to ask to help you chew through a lot of time.

I promise you, if you know what you're talking about before you get to the class, you won't have any problems. At best, you'll lead the class in a great discussion about the issues and impress your professor. At worst, no one but you talks, which makes everyone else will look foolish and you will look smart. Neither result is bad.

[Crazed Rabbit]

See if your university has an improv club or group you can join. It can feel silly at first, but it helps people open up. Even if you can't find one, or only get a chance to go to one meeting, by next week, I recommend you keep at it for the future.

Course, I've never really had this problem. ( ) I grew up enjoying acting and the like.

CR

[Zain]

Pretend you're in your underwear...

Or is it... Nah!

Good luck!

[Megas Methuselah]

My English teacher in grade 12 gave us random topics every Monday (snow, summer, football, fun/boring, etc.) and forced us to go in front of the class every Friday for a couple minutes and tell a few very short personal stories/occurences, which are hopefully amusing enough for the rest of the class to pay attention.

Going through a semester of this insanity has the astounding effect of eliminating stage fright. I used to hate the attention I got up there, mostly because I was always a quiet and good-looking person, so people tended to pay attention when I had something to say.

[Zain]

My English teacher in grade 12 gave us random topics every Monday (snow, summer, football, fun/boring, etc.) and forced us to go in front of the class every Friday for a couple minutes and tell a few very short personal stories/occurences, which are hopefully amusing enough for the rest of the class to pay attention.

Going through a semester of this insanity has the astounding effect of eliminating stage fright. I used to hate the attention I got up there, mostly because I was always a quiet and good-looking person, so people tended to pay attention when I had something to say.

You're story is like a flashback into my memories...

[Megas Methuselah]

You're story is like a flashback into my memories...

Except I'm prettier.

[Zain]

Except I'm prettier.

You can be prettier.

I'm manlier. Most women perfer a man over another girl (pretty)

[Megas Methuselah]

You can be prettier.

I'm manlier. Most women perfer a man over another girl (pretty)

Yeah, but you're in Texas. Girls over there are turned on by mountain men with chest hair, long beards, and hunting rifles.

Over here, they're turned on by pretty boys with cologne, a sense of fashion, and money.

[Zain]

Yeah, but you're in Texas. Girls over there are turned on by mountain men with chest hair, long beards, and hunting rifles.

Over here, they're turned on by pretty boys with cologne, a sense of fashion, and money.

I can't argue, although I don't know where you are based out of...

Back to business though, Rhyfelwyr just be funny and bedazzle the crowd. You can't go wrong with that.

[Megas Methuselah]

Practice in the shower. Or read it in front of a small group, like your parents, friends, or concubines. Whatever the case may be, just practice it in front of people you know.

[Viking]

For my Uni course next week, I am supposed to chair the class in a seminar discussion (lasts about 1 hour). This means I have to more or less direct the discussion etc. I've also got a couple of presentations to do in the coming weeks, which basically means reading out an 1,000 word paper.

In the past, the seminar presentations have not been fun experiences. A couple of times, I've done OK in that I actually read through it. I just keep my head down and read, even though you're not really supposed to, means I get lower marks but I can live with that. At other times though, my voice just goes, chest seizes up and all, 'tis a horrible experience. On other sites I've heard people talk of similar problems, and they say they often just skip the classes. But I have went to them all so far, thinking back I don't know why I do go unquestioningly. Anyway, as you can imagine, it's not fun when this happens, and its horrendeously awkward.

So, I am quite worried about chairing this discussion. This will be worse than just reading a paper. I'm at a loss as to what to do. It's OK to muck up a paper, but this class will be revolving around me. I don't really see any other option than not going. Of course, it will be obvious to my tutor why I'm not there. I've not said a word in my history seminars so far this year, but I guess he know's its not cause I'm lazy since he taught the course that I got the prize for last year (out of over 100 students as well ).

Being a gaming forum, I guess some of you might have found yourselves in a similar predicament. If so, got any advice?

Break patterns if you abide any. Exploration yields greater insight.

[Fragony]

Do something and pretend it matters

[HopAlongBunny]

Not much to add to what TinCow had to say but:

1) Acknowledge any contributors you do get directly;
2) Thank any speaker for their input;
3) Reflect the question back, or to the class, focusing on affect;

Relax, think of it as a discussion in the pub and enjoy :)

[pevergreen]

If you screw up, depending on how you feel either:

Make a joke about why you screwed up

or

Continue on as if it didnt happen.

If you feel stupid while doing it (I tend to do silly things, funny things etc) just remember: Everyone else has to do it as well, and you won't be the worst one.

[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.

[pevergreen]

I hate pracitising in front of other people.

Try alone in front of a full mirror (so you can see yourself completely) and just do it.

In more Australian terms: Harden the up.


You'll be fine.

[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.

[Fragony]

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.

Yeah and casually look at every person once. I hate it personally, teach your monkey tricks, but alas. It always turns out badly because I'm not very good at not being sarcastic.

[Andres]

I'm the type of guy who starts sweating and is very nervous, but once I'm busy, it all goes very naturally. Getting started is the hardest part, I think. Once you're going, it goes automatically smooth; at least that's how it went with me at such occasions.

Hypothetical questions, as TinCow suggested, are definitely a very good way to go. They also give opportunity to add a fun factor, like making up silly names instead of just "person A and person B" or

Other fun factors could be:
- do overacted voices when you talk about a certain important historical figure
- instead of "King X declared war on Y", say something like "On a sunny sunday morning, King X stood up, looked at his petty subjects and decided to annoy them, and their children, and grandchildren, and eventually you and me, certainly me, forcing me to stand here in front of you which I absolutely hate and makes me nervous, don't mind the sweaty smell, it's all King X's fault, but anyway, on a sunny Sunday morning, he decided to force me to talk today about the war he declared against Y".

Be creative, stay on the subject of course (you're not a stand-up comedian after all) but make sure your presentation has a few lighthearted pieces in it and be sure the fun stuff is easy to catch; it'll draw the attention of your public which will result in more feedback and discussion. It'll also make for a more relaxed atmosphere.

[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 )

[Owen Glyndwr]

I only read about half of the previous posts, so I don't know if this has already been suggested, but try getting a bunch of your friends together and practice giving your presentation in front of them. That's always helped for me, although I've never given a speech in front of a seminar...

As another poster suggested, sometimes the best way is to know your stuff cold. A lot of stage fright comes from being afraid of ridicule or a contesting argument. However, if you know your stuff flat you can be more confident in knowing that you won't make a mistake and look silly in front of a bunch of people.