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Original poster

Manager is asking me to give presentations to clients, I just can't do it

92 replies

ijustcantdoittt · 25/04/2022 20:01

I am in a role where I produce work for clients. It's my first job in this field and I thought it would suit me as I'm quiet. I produce work that is good and that clients are happy with, so I was enjoying my job. However, a part of the role that I wasn't expecting was I have to present my work to clients and lead meetings. I've been in the job 8 months, but I haven't had to do this yet as our client was on maternity leave so I never got introduced to the people covering for her, if that makes sense. She's back now and I have to start presenting my work in our team meetings.

I cannot begin to explain how much this terrifies me. I somehow managed to get through university presentations but this is quite literally my worst fear. I have a three month notice period, have taken sick days that bring me just below the threshold of it flagging to HR. I feel so trapped and I don't know what to do.

OP posts:
gogohm · 25/04/2022 20:03

What is in your job description - does it mention presentations? Yes it's scary the first time but you do get used to it

HermioneWeasley · 25/04/2022 20:05

It’s going to be very limiting in your career never giving presentations. You need to power through this and keep doing it until it’s not terrifying any more.

Beamur · 25/04/2022 20:06

Deep breaths! Don't panic.
Can you ask for some support/examples of previous work to guage expectations?
By presentations - do you mean to a group or just one or two people? There are lots of practical techniques that can help you. Can you access any training?

Cstring · 25/04/2022 20:07

Can you do it jointly with someone the first time, so they start and handover to you? Even if they don’t say much it’s good to have some moral support there. I do sympathise, it’s the least favourite part of my job.

PonyPatter44 · 25/04/2022 20:09

The notes section in PowerPoint is your friend. Literally write yourself a speech in the Notes section, to accompany each slide, and read it. The first time, you'll sound like a shaky-voiced robot. The second time, you'll sound a bit less shaky voiced and a bit less robotic. It gets easier each time you do it.

Back in the Stone Age, when I used to do this a lot, we were told that American presentations always start with a joke, while Japanese ones would start with an apology. I would start by telling the audience this, and then apologising because I didn't know any jokes. It was probably excruciatingly unfunny for the audience, but it made me feel better.

bellac11 · 25/04/2022 20:12

Propranolol and practice, practice, practice.

mudgetastic · 25/04/2022 20:13

Does it need to be a full in presentation rather than you leading discussion about your work?

Useranon1 · 25/04/2022 20:14

Honestly OP you're just talking to people.

Have a chat with your manager and explain your fears, ask for training and practice. You'll feel such a high when you do the first!

WaspStingsAreAwful · 25/04/2022 20:26

It is not something that most people would look forward to at all, so don't think you are on your own.

Primary rule.... find out who your audience will be, focus on that and what they want from the presentation, not what you THINK they want.

Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. Time yourself and keep it short as possible, Q+A is what clients are interested in, so make sure you have done your research and have details to hand. Do NOT have tons of information on the powerpoint screen. Bullet points and fewer the better. Fill the gaps with your notes.

It is daunting, and I still hate it, but I've gotten used to it, and become more confident over time.

I calm myself by telling myself that no audience wants me to fail or will laugh at me or belittle me. They want you to be OK. Always remember that.

BrinksmansEntry · 25/04/2022 20:31

OP, I was you. I wpyld tie myself in knots at the idea of a presentation. But a few things helped.

  1. Preparation. Know what you want to say and practice it. A lot. Practice any slides you want to use.
  1. You are the expert. Your client is there because they want to know from you some information. They are keen to hear the information it isn't about judging your ability to talk or make a joke or whatever. Its about getting the info across to them clearly and so they understand it. And that's where 1 is helpful- prepare and you'll be fine.
  1. Nobody is good at presenting when they start. People get nervous. People forget things. But they get better and you will too.
  1. Talk to any colleague attending and prep with them.

The thoughts of presentations are always worse than reality. You're nervous about doing it but that is totally normal.

I went from almost vomiting at the idea of talking for 5 minutes in front of 12 colleagues to doing a 15 minute off the cuff talk about a project in front of 350 colleagues. I've done lectures to university students, presented seminars and workshops, I've presented to hostile audiences and people who just wanted to know more. It wasn't easy to make the move but each time I did it, I got better.

NoSquirrels · 25/04/2022 20:34

Have you discussed with your manager that you are finding this difficult?

Gliblet · 25/04/2022 20:41

Talk to your manager - you've built this up into a massive problem and it might help to have some proper training in presentation skills and leading meetings to help demystify it a bit and break it down into small steps. It's just another skill, you've already learned to do harder things.

Also do you have access to coaching via your employer? It could help to have some constructive, reflective conversations about what's holding you back and what might help you move forward. After all, how many times have you turned up for a meeting rubbing your hands together with glee at the idea of catching someone out during their presentation? Your colleagues are no different, they're turning up wanting to see you do well. Your client isn't interested in wasting their own time and money by digging traps for you, they're interested in your work. Everyone's on your side.

RavenT · 25/04/2022 20:42

I totally get this. I have avoided jobs and promotions because of this fear. I have done it a few times in the past but it is not worth the stress or anxiety it causes.... I am not and never will be a good presenter and I am happy with that. It's not something I want to get used to, and I have other strengths.

I am good at what I do and enjoy my work at a lower level that doesn't require group presenting. I get you op. 🙂

AlphaAlpha · 25/04/2022 20:45

I second propranolol for situational anxiety and maybe see if there is a Toastmasters group near you - build your confidence with public speaking/presentations.

AlphaAlpha · 25/04/2022 20:47

www.toastmasters.org/

LittleBoPeepHasLostHerShit · 25/04/2022 20:47

Beta blockers, mate. Works every time. Tell your GP you have a severe public speaking phobia which is threatening your career. It's very, very common. My GP told me they got her through medical school!

bellac11 · 25/04/2022 20:59

LittleBoPeepHasLostHerShit · 25/04/2022 20:47

Beta blockers, mate. Works every time. Tell your GP you have a severe public speaking phobia which is threatening your career. It's very, very common. My GP told me they got her through medical school!

You can also buy it online, I got mine online as I was worried the GP wouldnt give it to me for that reason.

user1471453601 · 25/04/2022 20:59

I used to train trainers. One of the most important points was to ask them where their focus was during a session they were delivering. Without exception, the very nervous ones always said their focus was internal, it was about what they were doing and saying. Your attention and focus needs to be on the person/people who are there to learn.

Instead of concentrating on how you feel, can you try to concentrate more on what the person/people you are presenting to are feeling? Are they comfortable, because if they are not, they won't have their focus on your message.

Are they taking on board what you are saying, or have they switched off? If the latter, what can be done to bring them back?

I'm not saying any of that will be easy or even will take away your trepidation. Just thought I'd throw it in there.

Original poster
ijustcantdoittt · 25/04/2022 21:34

I haven't brought it up with my manager yet. To be honest, it's obvious that I get nervous speaking in front of others.

I have a 1:1 meeting with them this week, I don't know how to bring it up in a way that doesn't make me look unprofessional. There is a public speaking training course I've signed up for via work that's in a couple of months

OP posts:
AlexanderTheGreat · 25/04/2022 21:39

Beta blockers- wonderful stuff.

VeryQuaintIrene · 25/04/2022 21:43

The thing is that until you break through this fear, it's never going to be any better. I echo PP in urging you to practice and practice until you can pretty much do it my heart. As a young professor, I used to have to give lectures to 350 people and would literally throw up beforehand I was so scared. Having done lots of these over the years, I am still a little nervous (which is good - makes me take it seriously) but far more confident, and you will be too once you have done a few and seen that nothing terrible is likely to happen. Good luck!

parietal · 25/04/2022 21:49

you can learn to do this. Have you been able to sit-in on other meetings / presentations of this type so that you know the format? If not, ask your manager if that is possible.

how long is the presentation? Prepare your slides, get your timing right and then practice and practice again.

Purplepalm192 · 25/04/2022 21:54

Yes as others have said, Propranolol!

Gliblet · 25/04/2022 21:56

"I'm finding preparing for client presentations particularly difficult, could we have a chat about that?"

That's all you need to start with.

Either they'll say 'yes I'd noticed' - in which case you can ask for support in the form of mentoring from someone experienced, coaching to build your confidence, the training you've already booked (which also means it's obvious you're making an effort), or little things that might help during those meetings. Co-chairing to start with, shadowing someone experienced, an informal 'get to know you" meeting with the client before the formal meetings start, or clear questions from the client in advance so you have time to prepare.

Or, they'll say they hadn't realised. If this happens then you simply tell them that you're seriously out of practice, haven't had a chance to build a relationship with the client, and then have the same conversation described above.

EarringsandLipstick · 25/04/2022 21:56

As a manager, I would have no problem with someone disclosing their fear around this.

However, I would expect them to actively want to overcome it & would support them practically with courses and direct feedback & guidance.

You are making it all about 'presentations'. Instead, it's about communicating key information to relevant people. And we all have to do that in one way or another.

PPs are correct regarding preparation and practice. You may be shaky and nervous initially. But if you are good at your job it will come through. And when you survive that first (and second, and third) meeting / presentation, the fear will reduce and it will get easier.