Email
Print
So I have to do a speech tomorrow and I told my boss that I would do it and that I was exited. Except I was more 50/50 of excited and terrified since speeches terrify me no matter how many times I do them.
When the coordinator called me this morning to get last minute items sorted out I asked a question that you should never, never ask if you are even a tiny bit nervous about public speaking. "How many people are you expecting?"
200.
More than I have ever gotten in front of before. More than I can comfortably talk to one on one. In other words, enough to scare the hell out of me.
When your career gets scary it means that you are moving forward. It means that you are trying new things that other people might be too scared to do and it means that you are definitely breaking out of the "show up at 9 and go home at 5" routine. I try to keep this in mind while trying to remember if I still have any xanax at home.
Here's the advice I collected so far this morning:
"Just look at one person at a time - pretend like you're just talking to them."
"The people you are speaking to want you to succeed, not fail"
"It's only 45 minutes of your life - shorter than a Housewives of New York episode"
and my favorite one:
"You are NOT nervous! You're gonna be like Listen, This is how you market! You got that shit on Lockdown!"
For more timely, relevant, and engaging articles,
subscribe to Brazen Careerist.
Comments
Editor's Note: Inappropriate comments that are offensive to the author or not in context to the author's post will be removed. For editorial feedback, please contact our Community Manager through his user profile. Click here.
May 19, 2009 10:02 am
The last one is definitely the best, but I also always appreciate the second one. It's so true.
The first one? Good advice, but the first time I tried it I kept coming back to the same person, over and over. And then I realized I was doing it, so I tried to adjust, but I couldn't. So instead, I kept staring at the guy and thinking about how I was staring at him and about how distracting that must be for the audience. Nothing spells concentration like getting wrapped up in your own, crazy thoughts. I think that one requires training wheels.
Good luck!
May 19, 2009 11:41 am
Congrads, no matter how it turns out, you will be having a exciting moment in your life. That's a story you will tell your friend, family & future kids about. Beside, you just might surprise yourself once you start your speech.
May 19, 2009 12:35 pm
Caitlin, I love this post. Really honest and I definitely know the feeling you're going through.
I always tell myself it's not as big of a deal as it seems. If they asked you to present, they trust you and you DO have something to offer.
Before I've presented I have watched other inspirational speakers online to learn from them and of course, be inspired. I checked out the room I was going to be speaking at before (get comfortable, what kind of mic, how will they be facing you, etc.) and then always remember to stay light and funny. Humor goes a long way ;)
Good luck, you will do awesome. You should post a video of your speech to your blog. We can all root for you!
May 19, 2009 12:40 pm
I think it's great that you get to speak about something you are interested in. There's nothing worse than speaking on a topic that bores you. That being said, let your passion shine through and you'll rock that presentation.
Like when I talk about the ocean, or sunshine, or anything else I'm passionate about, I just can't stop beaming, which translates to confidence, which will make you feel like you are on top of the world.
Get in the zone before you get up there, it will be over before you know it. :)
May 19, 2009 3:05 pm
I love it! The most rewarding internships/jobs I've had are definitely the ones that were terrifying at times. Otherwise, the risk of boredom is too high.
Congratulations on having a job that will challenge you, and best of luck with your public speaking endeavors!
May 19, 2009 3:59 pm
Good luck. And definitely keep thinking about the last piece of advice. Whether you know or believe it yet or not, its so true!
May 19, 2009 4:18 pm
Thank you for your support everyone who gave me advice!! I did not die, embarrass my company, or otherwise screw up. In fact, I told the group I was speaking to about the support I got via the web. Thanks again!
May 19, 2009 4:26 pm
Caitlin, I attended the seminar this morning and looked you up online just to say...You did great! Your portion of the seminar was by far the most interesting and well-presented. Your content was extremely interesting and I wished you had more time to speak! Thanks for making the time to come out and speak to the group!
May 19, 2009 11:13 pm
"Do one thing everyday that scares you." Good advice from Eleanor Roosevelt (or Baz Luhrmann if you remember the sunscreen song) that still is valid today. The things you do that scare you each day can be the most rewarding, both in business and in life.
May 20, 2009 10:46 am
I can completely relate to this!! So, what did I do? I joined my local Toastmasters Club. It has been a great experience, I've learned A LOT about not only public speaking but also leadership, networking, business etiquette, and more.
It's a great setting to practice your public speaking as opposed to practicing in front of colleagues, clients, or managers. I highly recommend anyone to check out one of their local clubs!
Hope the presentation went well!!
May 21, 2009 3:52 pm
Actually, no career ever scared me after watching a helocopter next to us explode and crash after being hit by a rocket propelled grenade, as our battalion came in for an assault landing on my first mission into the jungles of Vietnam.
May 21, 2009 7:38 pm
I'm not scared of public speaking. I've given presentations before, albeit to audiences much smaller than 200, and I've performed in front of larger audiences, albeit without saying a word. However, what I am scared of is more responsibility, decision-making, and more work. In fact, if more work is involved, it probably isn't for me.
Got Something To Say?
Got Something To Say?
Not a Member? Brazen Careerist is a career management tool for next-generation professionals. Set up a free account today to comment on this post and start sharing your ideas. Learn more.
Login to view your networks!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Grad School Zone
GMAT Challenge Question: Too Many Twos
0 Comments
Right at this second it's September 2nd, with 2 days until the college football season starts, once again with too many teams in the Big Ten. In honor of all of these twos and toos, we present you a GMAT problem that features too many twos:
READ MORE0 Comments
