Meltdown in work meeting

[ElleC90]

So today I was at a meeting in office, so face to face, with others joining on teams. The attendees were senior leadership, directors of different business areas, and I've worked really hard the past few days to prepare data to share. Prior to the meeting, I felt confident and had so much I wanted to get across but when it came to my turn to speak/share data i literally froze. Couldn't speak, couldn't breathe and my line manager had to take over. I've been in my role about a month and just last week spoke on a teams meeting in the same capacity, sharing data giving examples etc, and it went really well with my manager telling me afterwards how well it was received. I feel a total fool! Has anyone ever experienced this and how do I overcome it?

Generally im not a sociable person, however can hold my own in conversation & don't usually have public speaking nerves. I wanted the ground to swallow me up and still do ☹️

Happened to me in an interview once

For me, as soon as I wake up, I can tell what kind of day its gonna be - and that day, I just knew my brain wasnt working

You'll be okay, sounds like your manager had your back - shit happens to everyone ❤️

It happened to me in a governor meeting when presenting a report. My tongue felt too big for my mouth. It was awful. I felt very embarrassed but actually, people kind and it did pass....

That happened to me at a meeting,all I had to do was stand up and introduce myself, say a bit about what I do, but my legs literally gave way and I had to sit down,andI cut my prepared talk down to about two sentences. It surprised me because I used to be OK at that kind of thing
I actually found that happened increasingly often ,but I was prescribed beta blockers and they have been a game changer.

I'd say, in first instance, talk to your line manager about it. No need to make a big deal and explain to everyone, but you'll probably feel better if you have a word with your line manager and get it out in the open. They'll probably want to see if there's anything they can do to help you - they certainly ought to if they're a decent manager.

You’ve done it before you can do it again! Brush it off as feeling unwell - little white lie doesn’t matter here. If it becomes a real problem then ask for some support. Good luck.

Years ago I had to give a talk .
There was a woman about my age who was good at speaking and i can remember thinking that I would channel Fiona - this didn't work. Nothing very coherent came out!

I also feel like a PP said - some days I have good days where my interactions with others flow well. Other days not.

I think most of us have had an experience like this. No one will think anything of it. Ask yourself if it will still matter in a year's time.

Thanks all. Got a catch up with my manager tomorrow and hopefully will get a plan in place to increase my exposure in these kind of meetings.

Propanalol is a good shout, I take levothyroxine though so not sure if I can take it alongside my thyroid meds. Will have a chat with my GP.

Can't help feeling I've let myself and other people down a bit. Suppose I need to remember I'm very new to this role and haven't really been in these types of meetings presenting before.

please be kind to yourself .

public speaking is something I love and don get anxious aobut but I ended up in psychosis from anxiety about a different kind of work stress