In group competitions

[Fuzzyfeltrabbit]

Help! When the woman of the year competition was on, I was nominated in group, as was another lady, our leader at the time sent us out of the group to the kitchen, everyone voted then we were called back in and the winner -the other lady- was announced. It was hideously embarrassing. I am really quite a shy quiet person, I didn't like to be up front at all, but even worse to not win and have to stand there like a spare part - horrid. I think there's another competition soon (miss slinky?) how do I manage this if I am nominated for this? Do all competitons run the same way (our consultant has changed so I don't know if that's a standard way they are run?)
Any advice to manage my embarrassment?

[FlopIsMyParentingGuru]

You can say no. I recently took part in our miss slinky and I found it so hard putting myself through it. I'm saying a polite no thank you next time, or that I'm not able to make it.

[Rastel38]

I'm with you flop, I was a Miss Slinky nominee and I hated standing in front of the class. Never again! Even when I am slinky!!

[FlopIsMyParentingGuru]

Glad to hear I'm not alone!

[tabulahrasa]

You can refuse to take part

[StilaOnTheWrongPlane]

Our consultant messaged everyone who was nominated saying they had been nominated and to prepare something to say to the class . I felt sick when I read the text message but just messaged her back explaining I hated the idea of having to stand up in front of everyone to speak and I'd rather not do it . She took me out no problem.

[InfiniteSheldon]

It's very relaxed and low key in my group my consultant says she hated doing them so keeps it really nice

[Fuzzyfeltrabbit]

Thanks for all your replies. It never occurred to me to just say no thanks. I think the way it was done in our group put me on the spot a bit. I feel much better knowing others have declined!

[ChessieFL]

In our group, those who are nominated do stand up and speak but the voting is done on slips of paper so only the consultant knows how many votes each person got. We always have loads of nominees in our group though so it's less embarrassing not to win.