Humiliated myself at work

[millerjane]

Never felt wors - need a handhold

My mind ha gone to mush, hope I can recover in time for tomorrow. One thing on my side is that I will actually be in my office/famiilar surroundings.

As you said the others did have more experience. Use your notes, gain that experience and think of the notes as being an extra prop . I really sympathise as I hate public speaking or even important meetings tbh . But over the years I can do it . But there are other things in life I can’t do . We are all human .

It is definitely better you're doing it again tomorrow. Leave it now and you may properly psych out next time. Just get back on and get it over with.

This time tomorrow night you'll be having a glass of wine and chilling, because you nailed it and you will be back on track.

Pretty much everyone on this thread has had it happen, and we're all replying because we're all still employed!

Tomorrow is a new day. Deep breath; do some counting if you feel panic spiralling.
As a great woman once said: "chin up, tits out: onwards!"

Sounds like you've still got loads of adrenaline rushing around. Can you have a warm bath, force yourself to read a book to stop your mind going back over events again and again. The breathing pattern in for 4 out for 7 or 8 really does help force your body to calm down so try and do that sort of mindful breathing too. Don't worry about tomorrow, today went wrong that was a one off, you will be fine just make sure you have notes to refer to so you have the comfort of a backup which will give you confidence that it will be fine.

I am afraid my delivery may detract from my work. I'm sure my manager thinks I let him down and wishes he had just done the presentation himself.

I will be presenting to a completely new set of people.

I'm genuinely afraid now.

Was there a power point that accompanied the presentation so people were looking at slides whilst you were speaking?

www.youtube.com/results?search_query=thomas+hall+public+speaking+hypnosis

Put these on as you drift off OP

I have used these hypnosis (well, don't knwo if it's jsut whispered suggestions. They do have an effect!

A temporary effect but they really do have an effect.

My trick is always to go over the intro over and over again so that I am 100% rehearsed and sound fluent and relaxed. I don't EVER deviate from my intro or try to wing it. No one is likely to interrupt with questions at the start and so there is no reason I cannot give myself a good run of sounding professional and in control.

That way, I relax into the presentation and get into the flow. Then and only then, if it is right, do I allow myself to improvise a little to sound more natural and in the moment. I agree with the other poster that you have to have your core presentation down pat.

I think the best way to deal with this is to use humour. When you do your presentation tomorrow hit it head on with a joke about how you were sick yesterday and asked your identical twin to step up but she fluffed it so you kicked her off the case and you are back today, have a laugh then go on and smash the presentation.

I think the worst thing you can do is let it bother you going forward, if you are publicly upset many people can be like a bloodhound and take advantage of your self criticism.

This is your chance to smash it and feel amazing afterwards!!
We all need a little set back every now and again to keep us on our toes. Make a joke out of it if need be - humility always wins. Now go smash it!!!

I would definitely feel better if i hadnt cried at my desk in an open office, not sure what i was thinking. should've hidden in the toilets

If you have difficulty presenting then join up to a drama class to learn how to project and counter the nervousness and the potential to bottle it.

im not a crier - at all

Yes, be well prepared this time. Have brief, clear notes, so you don’t get lost. Don’t talk too fast. Good luck!

Focus on what you're saying rather than how you're feeling.

Turn off those negative phrases in your head and turn on the positive ones.

Hang on to your notes and use them if you need to.

I once saw a 6 foot odd, rugby playing hairy arsed bloke, reduced to a gibbering wreck just at the thought of doing a presentation.
It's not everyone's forte (including me), but, as with most things, practice makes perfect.

You go for it.
We're all rooting for you.👍👍👍👍

usually i can make it up as i go along

No, no - never rely on this unless you know your stuff inside out and are totally confident and in control.

@blueshoes advice is good. Know your intro, conclusions & recommendations and everything else will fall into place.

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow, OP. Good luck to you.

OP some people are incredibly good at their jobs but public speaking is never going to be for them, maybe you are just one of those people. I know I am, in a small space 20 people or less I’m comfortable and can explain or give information without a sweat. With a bigger audience I go into panic mode, no reason why, I just do. I’ve accepted this and don’t put myself in this position anymore after a few fails!

Good luck fit today

This seems to be over dramatic. You may be over analysing this and it's not as bad as you seem to think.

Maybe you are too junior for this position and need more help, training and support at work.

Maybe outside of work you can get some help from your GP? Counselling, help with severe anxiety?

@Chickoletta

YABU unreasonable to even think that messing up a work presentation was down to your gender.

This is true but it is also true that your sex puts a whole load of different pressures on you. Women working in a male dominated environment are under a type of scrutiny that can be extremely unnerving.

Thanks for the kind messages. I'm due to present at 10. I know my stuff (same as yesterday) but fingers crossed.

Sending you kick-ass confidence vibes for this morning. Believe in yourself! You are the expert on what you’re presenting. You can do it.

A crisis of confidence is a scary thing, but it’s not reflective of poor abilities or expertise. Remember that, and also remind yourself they are there to listen to YOU. You can do this

Breathe.