Need to give a presentation to all staff

[Kingofthetyrantlizards]

To keep it short, I won an award at work a couple of weeks ago after being nominated by someone in my team. The CEO has now asked the team who organise the awards if I can say something at an upcoming all-staff event on my experience. There will probably be 100 or so in person, with potentially a couple of thousand joining through teams (although how much attention they'll be paying is debatable).

I know I need to say yes, but this is really out of my comfort zone. I don't feel confident in how I look and generally feel quite awkward at the attention. Any tips for getting through it?!

Practice, practice, practice.

People only focus on the main details, so if you have a shiny new haircut for the event and wear a bright top that will distract from anything else. Also, plaster a big smile on, it adds an air of confidence. You will do fine, just thank everyone profusely for your award and the company for giving you the opportunity to do whatever it is you do so well. And congrats! It's a lovely thing to be recognised for your achievements.

Presentations -
You've been asked to talk about something you know about - shouldn't be a problem.

No one is there to trip you up.

Use your slides as prompts:

1 slide a minute
25 words max per slide
Clear simple format - unless you have a corporate PowerPoint template

Slow down

Leave time for Qs.

Practice, practice, practice!

Big girl pants on.

It does get easier the more you do.

This is a crap link but I saw this on a course and play it to myself.... whenever Im feeling anxious about presenting...

The course was Upfront by Lauren Currie look her up too loads of positive tips.. and a teal mindset changer for me.... Probably one of the best courses I've ever done..

You have won an award... You were nominated by your team ..... That is fantastic... Stand tall ... Deep breath, squirt of rescue remedy if that works for you.

.I do bright red nails and lipstick to act as a physical reminder..
I don't practice to/with people but do prepare... And run through in my head.. think about a couple of key things as 'takeaway: quotes .. and as if you were writing an advert ...
People will be wishing you well...

Be proud

Don't do death by powerpoint, it will come across very contrived

don't make it all about you, do acknowledge the contributions of others that enabled your nomination.

Mention something funny, or a moment of truth in the work you did that will inspire others to try and achieve what you have

don't crumple into a snotty mess like Gwyneth Paltrow

well done!

Thanks all. I think part of the problem is that I don't think I necessarily deserve the award - I do this part of my job well but I don't think it's anything exceptional. Just did what anyone in my position would (or should) do!

If I were you, @Kingofthetyrantlizards go for a low-key informal and dignified thank you and acknowledgement. Keep it simple.

It's my job, I love doing it and the award gives me the validation to keep doing it. Plus without Bill, Helen and Sophie, I'd never have done it so thumbs up to them!

Sorry, I gave my tips for doing. Presentation because that's what I thought you needed to do from your OP @Kingofthetyrantlizards .

If you don't have to do a presentation, then don't!

If you need to make a speech it's because somebody thinks you have something interesting and useful to say. Do She-Rah power poses in front of the mirror before you go on and remind your self how good you are.

Personally, if I was asked to do that, I would hand the award back and say 'No, thank you', but that's just me!

When you practice actually speak out loud, I know that sounds obvious but get use to the sound of your voice.

Well, by way of an update. I did it! The all-staff session was this morning and I got up and spoke. No idea how many people were listening - there were probably a couple of hundred in the room, and at least 1k online but tbh I forgot about those as I couldn't see them. Most of my team were wfh but those that weren't made the effort to go in person so that I had some friendly faces in the audience. Had some good feedback (but it's not like anyone's going to come up to me and tell me it was awful 😆). So I'm glad I've done it and will be celebrating with a glass of wine and chocolates this evening!

Congratulations. The sense of achievement is great. Definitely a🍷tonight.