Anxiety Is Ruining My New Job - Pls Help!

[Star05]

Hoping someone can help.

Started a new job in February. Great company and people and I'm hoping to stay for a long time.

I'm good at my job. Making the company money and implemented new methods of reporting and they've given me a pay rise. So it's going really well and I feel confident doing my job.

Well, most of it. I need to present at calls weekly and there's only 30 people on the call but its ruining my life. I feel sick two days before it. I can't get through parts of it so skip important things to get it over with. I'm absolutely mortified by it as everyone else doesn't even sound nervous. My voice shakes and I can't hide it. They've asked me to present at a company wide call (200 plus people) and maybe be in person for it. I just can't do it. This isn't a senior position btw. I'm an exec.

I love my job but I feel incredibly stressed by the presenting. I feel no pressure when it comes to driving results, making money etc so I can do my job, just not the presenting. Do I speak to my manager?

Any advice? Should I go to the doctor?

Thanks for any help x

Yes you can take beta blockers for exactly this issue. Your doctor can prescribe them for you. Best of luck, you can do this!

have you thought about asking doctor for beta blockers? won't cure your mental nerves but will keep you calm and stop the shakes when you are actually doing the presenting. I use them when singing in public, basically it keeps my heart rate steady and prevents the physical manifestations of nerves.

It could well help you to get used to doing the presentations.

That would be a great start!

I'm just so disappointed in myself. Today I cried (was wfh) after the call because it was just so bad.

I'd love something to just take it away or the physical sides of it.

Definitely speak to your manager about it and see if you can present less frequently, or if you can prep the materials and someone else can present, at least in the short term.

longer-term, it would be nice to overcome this. My DH was nervous about public speaking at work and ended up joining a weekly group in our neighbourhood that practiced public speaking, gave each other tips, and basically helped desensitize each other to the nerves. It was called “Toastmasters” and I think they have chapters all over.

You could also consider a private “presentation coach” for a few sessions. They tend to be part communications specialist, part therapist, and can be tremendously helpful. Some companies pay for a few sessions for their employees out of their professional development budgets. Worth looking into!

Are you totally prepared? Can you read from notes? I had to do a thing at a company wide event and practised and practiced. I was so nervous.

I expect you don't sound as nervous as you think you do. If after that meeting with 30 people where you thought you did badly, they have asked you to speak to a group of 200 you must have come across as confident with good presentation skills.

I agree that beta blockers will help, lots of professionals take them before a performance.

It's a completely normal reaction although some people hide it better than others. If the nerves are visible I doubt anyone is thinking anything negative about you. Beta blockers help, I speak from experience.

I would ask for presentation training or support to a) let them know you're struggling but b) try to overcome this. I used to HATE it but having one on one coaching and support massively helps put it in perspective and realise what you're good at. Practice and repetition of experience will really help!

Thanks everyone. I'm probably my worst critic. It's all the physical sides of the nerves though and it's bringing me down.

It would be great to overcome it. I'll phone the doctor and ask about beta blockers.