Awful presentation

[Chefpig]

I presented today in front of peers, most of whom I don't know and a few colleagues. I was awful. I tripped up on some of my words. My heart started beating so fast and I was unable to continue with the presentation so I basically gave them a very watered down version of what my team and I have delivered. We've done amazing things but what I talked about made it seem totally shit.

Tears were stinging my eyes and I cried when I got to the train underpass and I was alone.

Anyone else find presenting utterly horrific?

That's hard. Loads of people hate it, some avoid it entirely.

You can learn to do it, there are lots of training courses.

You're human, only a fool would judge you harshly for nerves.

I had to present many years ago. Was working for stockbrokers at the time, so a very high powered environment and not many women. I've always been an outgoing, confident type but I went to pieces on this occasion. So I got to the point of "no return" and decided that the best thing to do was faint. And I did. I put my hand to my forehead (like they do in the movies) and hit the deck. Got scooped up, given a glass of water and loads of sympathy. But more importantly didn't have to finish the presentation and sort of came out of it all looking not too bad. Honestly OP, you are very far from alone and although your presentation wasn't the best, it would have been perceived as nowhere near as bad as you thought. Everyone listening was just relieved that they didn't have to stand there and do it.

Have you had feedback yet?

I had to do a presentation to a room of 100 very senior managers/board members when I worked for my previous employer. I was so anxious, walked up to the stage and started, got 5 minutes in and realised I had started the completely wrong speech (I was doing another one later in the day to a different group of people in the same company).
I stopped, said “I’m so sorry wrong speech, let me start again” and restarted and did the correct one.
I walked off and was mortified but the company chairman came up and said I’d styled it out beautifully and laughed about it.
Get feedback and if possible try and get another opportunity to do a speech again.

You need some practice! I'm a lecturer and believe me, it is a practice makes perfect situation.... Or rather practice helps you feel confident and get better at it.

Viv Groskop does a great podcast based on her book how to own the room. https://amzn.eu/d/08kv9VYt

I do it every day for a living and I've done some stinkers before. Please don't beat yourself up!

Oh this made me laugh so much. It's something I considered doing! Did the fall hurt?

Thank you so much everyone. I'm still horrified by my performance but more chilled about it now. I'm excellent at my day to day job and decided that's all that matters!

No it didn't! My self esteem was so bruised by that point that physically hitting the floor was a relief rather than painful. So in future OP, take a tip from me and just faint away. They'll all think it's due to hard work and dedication rather than sheer terror!

Oh gosh! I will definitely faint! I fancy them all fussing over me too. There are some lovely, very intelligent men in sharp suits who attend who could fuss.

Exactly. There were some rather hot guys that fussed over me. So I clutched a little victory from the jaws of disaster you might say!