A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:I'm 17 and coming towards the end of my first year at college. At the beginning we had to do loads of presentations which I hate doing. It got so bad that I started having panic attacks whenever it came to doing one however we stopped doing them after about 2 month and cracked on with coursework but now we need to start doing them again. This is because we have exams coming up and the teachers think it is a good form of revision. It's not just that I don't like doing them, it's that I physically can't. I get up there and my heart is pounding and I go really hot and start trembling and I literally can't make any sound come out. It feels like something really bad is going to happen and I can't stop it. It's the most awful feeling and I've tried breathing techniques and everything and nothing works. I just don't know what to do any more because it's becoming a problem in everyday life, such as meeting new people and this has never been a problem before. I don't want to drop out of college as I'm on target for my grades and achieving A's and B's however I literally can't do them. Any advice on what I could do would be appreciated so much x Reply to this Question
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Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
female
reader, Abella  +, writes (22 March 2011):
 ooops!
I meant to say you jot down key points on the numbered cards:
Card one
title of presentation
the three key points you will cover
Card two
Expand on key point one
Card three
Expand on key point two
Card four
Expend on key point three
Card five
Summarise what you told them
Thank you
Talk slowly. If you talk too fast the audience cannot follow you.
Do not use 'expanders' nor 'non-words' nor 'slang,' that say nothing and contribute nothing. Example of 'expanders' etc to NOT use are 'wanna' 'sort of' 'well it's kinda like'
A
female
reader, Abella +, writes (22 March 2011):
hi, i can recall my first formal presentation and my legs were trembling like you cannot believe.
And another early presentation why i felt the audience, who were all people i had known for a while, possibly might be judgemental (that was really nerves on my part)
So i had to address these problems. And now i love giving presentations.
My tips?
1. Work out where you have something positive and in common on some aspect with the group on that day. Start with that. 'i hope you all enjoyed researching this topic as much as i did'
2. Practise your opening 2 minutes multiple times at home until you have it perfect. So that you do not need notes for the opening.
3. If you are not doing it on powerpoint, but the paper way, then get some three inch x two inch small blank cards.
4. Your presentation should consist of:
(a) your greeting above then straight into the topic of what is your presentation.
(b)Then tell then what you will cover by a brief outline of (say)three things you will cover
(c) then cover each area in more detail
(d) then summarise what you told them
(e) thank the.
5. Practise at least 5 times that whole presetation and time it to ensure it consistently stays on time. This practising is in addition to the many times you practise the opening at least 10 times.
6. Before you start any presentation calm yourself and tell yourself ''these people are my friends'' I say that even if is 200 people and i have never met them.
7. Take some slow big deep breaths hold 5 seconds. Then exhale that air. Repeat this as often as you need to calm yourself on the day of the presentation before it is time to do it
Regards
Abella
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A
female
reader, amphipathic +, writes (22 March 2011):
Depending on your major, giving presentations in college can be a big part of your schooling career. As a junior in college, I can safely say that I to have had my share of panic attacks when having to give reports. What has helped me through it are a few little tips. First off, be sure that you have everything prepared for the presentation the night before and that everything is in order. Sticky notes can be quite helpful when ordering index cards and whatnot. Also, be sure to take a deep breath before you stand up to walk to the front of the room before giving your report. Deep breathing can help minimize the stress you are having.
Next, try not to think that you are giving the presentation to a lecture hall or class room. Pretend that a few of your friends are in the room. I know this sounds silly, but if you have a pet, pretend you are telling them your presentation. I always seem to get more passionate about certain topics when I am talking to my dog about them. Another tip that I can give, is if people are volunteering when to go up and give the presentation, don't wait until the end. The last few presenations are what sticks in everyones minds so any flaws will surely be stuck in people's heads. It's best to be one of the first few groups to go. :) Hope that helped. Feel free to PM me for more tips.
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