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Wish I was better at giving presentations

26 replies

AufderAutobahn · 27/06/2017 18:30

My job involves giving a presentation to new starters with our firm, around once a month, on my role, and how it supports the company's aims and objectives. It is part of the two-day induction process all new starters have and is typically delivered to groups of around six at a time.

I hate it. Every each induction, we get back feedback from the delegates, circulated around all departments and to those who also gave presentations. I generally get a mix of "excellent" "good" and "satisfactory", but I score lower than most of the others. I think I know what it is- I have quite low self esteem and hate talking in front of people. I get nervous and self conscious. I have practised my presentation in one-to-one sessions with training managers and my boss and they say I come across well. But in front of a group I just mess up. I'm so crap. I usually get quite good scores in inductions for subject knowledge but my presentation style never comes out great. I recently feedback (given anonymously), one person said I was "underwhelming and could have been more engaging." 🙁
How do others do it? Banish the nerves and the twattiness and come across well? I've read the books, I've practised in front of the mirror, I just end up being rapidly on the day. Help :-(

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AufderAutobahn · 01/07/2017 21:20

lljkk, you sound like me. My voice goes a bit hoarse and squeaky too. I naturally do talk quite fast and it gets worse with nerves. I have a tendency to say 50 words when two would do. If I have notes in front of me, I can keep to a decent length, but it also means I get 'glued' to them and of course that's never a good look.

I like the idea of a 'sticking plaster'. I also take some Bach Rescue Remedy before presentations. It is useful to remember that everyone in the room is on my side and is not looking to slag me off, but the bastard in my head seems to take over and keeps ranting that I look pathetic, I don't belong there and what use could I possibly be to them.

I guess everybody has these fears, I just need to get better at handling them. Be a better actress maybe! Or just grow a pair.

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