Being pressured into a situation at work

Funky_Bold_Ribena

Don't have a curry the night before. Have a glass of water available. Have cue cards. Have something to hand out so that they look down and aren't staring at you. Start with a quiz, which brings the answers round to the topic in hand. Pace yourself. Use PowerPoint if you have to but don't read off the slides, in fact don't face the screen at all. Don't jingle your keys in your pocket. Stand like a tree. Be bold and ask them questions to increase their engagement.

Annisele

I find it helps if I call the task something different in my own head.

I used to absolutely refuse to give "presentations" at work. My boss knew that, but he also really wanted me to take some of the load off him. In the end, he persuaded me that I didn't have to present anything, I just had to go talk to some people about a topic I knew really well. That actually worked. I still refuse to "present" but I'll happily "go and have a chat with some people".

Takeaway_Addict

If you have cue cards I would put in every 3 or 4 cards some positive sayings

'You're brilliant'
'You've got this far...keep pushing forward'
'I am smashing this presentation'
'Well done XXX you made it'

Skintski

Annisele wrote: »

I find it helps if I call the task something different in my own head.

I used to absolutely refuse to give "presentations" at work. My boss knew that, but he also really wanted me to take some of the load off him. In the end, he persuaded me that I didn't have to present anything, I just had to go talk to some people about a topic I knew really well. That actually worked. I still refuse to "present" but I'll happily "go and have a chat with some people".

Which would make it feel more like what I am used to doing. Not a bad shout thanks

saintjammyswine

Dont rush the presentation, take your time.

Dont apologise if you stumble over a word, they probably havent even noticed!

IF you really are too nervous to function, go to a chemist and look for either Kalms or Bach Rescue remedy. They can just take the edge off enough to help.

Dont know if I need a disclaimer for the advice above though, if so, be careful etc etc.

room512

Dumbe wrote: »

Other things that have helped me are..

Take deep breaths before you start and think of something calming.

When you are in front of a big group pick out two or three audience members near the back and sides of the room and focus your attention between them ..as if you are talking to those 3 people..forget the rest of the audience just imagine you are talking to them.

if you feel yourself speeding up, pause, deep breath and talk slowly.

Use slides and a pointer to refer to the slides .. Really helps me to have something like a pointer in my hand.

I'm a teacher and absolutely hate having to do staff meetings (whole school of children fine/room full of adults terrified!) and go red and stutter and panic about it for weeks in advance. I've now learnt to look around at the back of the room for smiley people and talk to them! After a few minutes the stuttering stops and you suddenly realise that you can do it. Won't stop you flapping before hand but ...

MrPrinny

I used to suffer terribly from this situation (even to the point where I couldn't put a slide on a projector, my hands were shaking that much)
Two things helped me.

1. Pretend to be confident in these situations, speak clearly and precisely, look people in the eyes. In all honesty, they probably are not that interested in your presentation (not to say it isn't excellent, just that people generally find these things a nuicance lol) and are nervous themselves about their own.

2. Practice and have cue cards. It is easy to get flusttered and forget where you were, but a quick look down at a word or two can get you back on track.

If you want to continue this choice of career, definitely get some practice in.
Good Luck

amateursaver77

I think you are being way too hard on yourself. Many people who do presentations etc must be nervous but please don't beat yourself up. One thing is that every person I know in a Sales-type job is they are all flashy and for show - image being of utmost importance whether it be their nice suit, car, the latest phone/computer etc but if you asked them a question with any depth (for example a technical question) about what they are selling they most wouldn't be able to tell you. And they would never have the courage to admit being nervous. Therefore you already stand out from the crowd just for asking and being honest. What I would say is plan and study the presentation as meticulously and thoroughly as you can. Think about any questions you might be asked (maybe ask a family member or friend if they can think of any, or put yourself in the position of someone you are presenting to and think what they may ask) to be as prepared as possible. Plan, prepare and practice as best you can and you can't do any more. Please let us know how you get on and good luck

pinkshoes

If your boss didn't think you could do it, he wouldn't have asked! He clearly thinks you're good enough, so I'd say it's just a lack of confidence rather than ability.

They're just people like you in the room. They're there because they want to hear the figures, or they've been forced to go. Just picture them all in fluffy bunny slippers and dressing gowns!

And take some Kalms! They really help some people!

LannieDuck

I used to have to do lots of presentations. I liked to practice outloud by myself beforehand until I knew the whole presentation and it was really smooth. I especially needed to know that I could verbally transition from one slide to the next without faffing around.

Once I could do it by myself reliably, I knew I'd be able to do it infront of an audience.