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Original poster

Public speaking

57 replies

Clarinet60 · 25/04/2003 14:53

I have to do a presentation at a conference soon. I haven't done one for a few years now, having got out of them the past few summers for pregnancy, m/c, and birth reasons. Basically, I turn into a jellyfish, shake all over and forget where I live and what my name is. My stress response system goes into overdrive and I can't control it. The problem isn't with preparation - I can write powerpoint pressies with my eyes shut - it's the delivery.
Has anyone out there any experience of how to overcome this? Anyone used hypnosis? Valium? Illegal drugs (only joking ...)
Thanks in anticipation, folks.

OP posts:
WideWebWitch · 26/11/2003 14:44

Droile, I don't know if this would work for you but could you sort of pretend to be someone else? A really confident person who completely doesn't mind public speaking? Ah, just skimmed over this thread and I think you've said that won't work but I wanted to wish you good luck anyway. Remember, most people in your audience will hate public speaking and will be rooting for you and glad it's not them up there. Let us know how you get on.

Original poster
Clarinet60 · 26/11/2003 15:50

thanks www, I think this would work, if I could persuade my brain to do it. I did actually want to feel like this right from the beginning (that I was someone else, someone who could DO it, LOL), and no-one at this conference will know me, so I could pretend.

Thanks sibble and jasper. I don't think you're sad. It must be great, I'd love to be that sort of person. I'm practising lots.

OP posts:
Original poster
Clarinet60 · 03/12/2003 14:42

DONE IT!
Felt wobbly at first, then just got into it and it went OK. My bottom aged 10 years while I was waiting to go on, though.
I discovered a cunning plan - I wore reading glasses while doing the talk, so I could only see a foot in front of me. The audience were a blur.
Thanks for all your help everyone, I built in all the advice.

(For Douglas Adams fans, it worked like the Bugblatter Beast and the towel. I certainly know where my towel is now.)

OP posts:
dinosaur · 03/12/2003 15:05

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dadslib · 03/12/2003 16:08

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Original poster
Clarinet60 · 03/12/2003 16:41

No chance, dinosaur, still breastfeeding. Forgot to take my pump down with me, so had knockers like rocks all night and all the way home.

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dinosaur · 03/12/2003 16:43

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