AIBU to request tips about taking a sickie? WWYD?

[tripartitealliance]

I haven't done this sickie thing before. Ever.
Tomorrow afternoon I am due to give presentation. I said I would do it and I organised it. Whilst some people have put time aside for it specially and it is vaguely important-cum-relevant to others, it is not a presentation that will solve world peace or prevent anyone from putting children's toys in gendered sections in the supermarket ever again. But if I cancel it for no good reason I will look like a knob. Like, really, a total knob. If I am sick people will probably be put out a bit, but honestly not really think about it much and will take it as being rescheduled and get on with their own things.
I thought I'd have enough time to do the research today, but have been absolutely swamped at work. Looking at what needs to be done tonight (in between getting DC ready for bed and actually into bed!) and what other really important things need to be done tomorrow morning at work, there is no way I can finish it to an acceptable standard either for myself or for others. Also, all my stockings are laddered
So, the only way forward is, I have decided, to take a sickie. A brand new experience for me, as I would usually always come into work even if I am quite ill; I'd either have to be at SARS-level infectious or be pretty much dead already to stay at home when required to be in the office for something important.
Please therefore be so kind as to advise which is least likely to look suspicious under the circumstances. Should I
(a) surreptitiously let colleague/s know tonight already that I'm feeling a bit under the weather, and if so should I make it an email or an off-hand social media sort of comment;
(b) inform colleagues tomorrow morning first thing that I won't be in the office as I'm feeling under the weather, and thus need to postpone the presentation too; or
(c) inform colleagues mid-morning that I've been feeling under the weather (??and have popped into the GP for an emergency appointment??) and won't be able to make it in today, and thus need to postpone the presentation. (They won't, for the record, question if I'm not there first thing as the nature of the work often means people arrive at their desks anywhere between 7am and 11am).
WWYD? Help!

Well, long term I agree something more workable needs to be sorted out.

On this occasion, though, there should be no emotional element to the decision. Treat work as it treats you. They don't hand out medals.

The OP didn't actually suggest that her work treated her badly, just that she hadn't been able to meet the demands. Unless she has an honest discussion with her line manager about workload and priorities the situation won't improve. Faking sickness won't help that to happen.

Of course, thinking back, I did once ring in sick on the day I was meant to be doing a presentation (of an audit, as I recall). However, my credibility was raised by two factors:
1)I had been witnessed vomiting violently and keeling over before leaving work the night before
2)I was phoning in sick from A&E resus, whilst I was being admitted to hospital

Otherwise it might have looked dodgy...

I never took a sick day when I wasn't sick (not saying you shouldn't!) but I have when I was genuinely sick but 'could' have lasted the whole day but it would have been miserable.

1. Go in tomorrow. Do not do hair or makeup.
2. put in an hour or so and then tell 'em you feel I'll and need to go home.

I find it works best if it 'looks' like I made an effort.

3. Migraine headache. They usually are gone in 24 hours, and you don't need to remember to cough.

I think Monday and Friday sick days look way more obvious too. In fact, we'd call 'em "hillbilly holidays ".

Last time I was off sick was on a Monday. It had wiped out most of my weekend as well.

Power point presentations only take a few minutes to whip up.

I'd just ask to reschedule. If your boss thinks this is an acceptable workload, he likely will give you the same amount again. If it's not a big presentation, I wouldn't worry about it. No one likes work presentations anyway

In the future though, try to think 3 days ahead. If you don't see it being done in 3 days, let them know then so that no one is caught off guard or blindsided.