I had to present today. It was online and I didn’t even open my camera, yet I fucked up, stuttered, looked awkward and embarrassing, had a shaking voice, couldn’t think or answer people’s questions, and on top of that, after the presentation I had extremely painful legs pain (and still have). I literally became the laughingstock. I was supposed to gain the trust of the audience and lead, but I botched it all. Unfortunately I have no one to talk to about this or get emotional support from, so I can’t help it but seek help from redditors while crying.
I haven’t done a presentation in a while. I believe that this should be a chance for me to learn and grow as a person, but instead it just damaged my self-esteem more. Please help…
12 comments
Ugh! That’s a tough day, for sure. In high school I missed a piece of info in a mock trial and looked like a fool in front of a ton of people. Decades later, I’m successful and happy, but still think of that… but I’m sure everyone else forgot it. This will pass, things will improve!
If it means anything if i saw that someone couldn’t present i wouldn’t care. I would forget in a day. You tried and that’s what matters
Ah I’ve been there OP! It feels bad. But like one of the other commenters said – even when I think someone has messed up speaking it’s not something that stays in my head – it’s gone very quickly.
Don’t let this damage your self esteem. This is where you are right now, but not where you will always be. It doesn’t reflect who you are as a person. Only your public speaking skill right now.
Shit happens. Have a drink or a smoke or whatever you do to relax and give yourself a break. What if this happened to your friend? What would you tell them?
That’s how you should be treating yourself.
Thoroughly prepare your presentation by knowing your content inside out. Practice your presentation multiple times, both alone and in front of a mirror or trusted friends or family members. The more prepared you are, the more confident you will feel, which can help reduce nervousness.
Practice deep breathing exercises to help calm your nerves. Before the presentation, take a few moments to inhale deeply through your nose, hold your breath for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. This technique can help regulate your breathing, lower your heart rate, and reduce anxiety.
Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your capabilities and strengths as a presenter. Repeat encouraging statements such as “I am well-prepared,” “I am knowledgeable,” and “I can do this.” Positive self-talk can help shift your mindset and boost your confidence.
Spend some time visualizing yourself delivering a successful presentation. Imagine yourself speaking confidently, engaging the audience, and receiving positive feedback. Visualizing a positive outcome can help reduce anxiety and build confidence.
Instead of focusing on your nervousness, shift your attention to the audience. Think about how you can deliver value to them, engage them, and help them understand your message. Shifting your focus away from yourself can help alleviate nervousness and enable you to connect better with your audience.
Prepare a strong opening that captures the audience’s attention and sets the tone for your presentation. Starting with confidence can help you gain momentum and overcome initial nervousness.
When presenting, speak at a moderate pace and incorporate pauses. Slowing down allows you to gather your thoughts, control your breathing, and maintain a steady rhythm. Pauses also create moments of silence that can help you relax and emphasize key points.
Utilize visual aids or props during your presentation. Having something to reference or demonstrate can help redirect attention away from any nervousness you may be feeling. Visual aids can also serve as a guide and provide additional support.
Interact with your audience by asking questions, encouraging participation, and maintaining eye contact. Engaging the audience helps shift the focus from your nervousness to creating a connection and fostering a dynamic environment.
Accept that it’s okay to make mistakes or have moments of nervousness during a presentation. Remember that the audience is generally supportive and understanding. Embracing imperfections and viewing them as opportunities to learn and grow can help alleviate some of the pressure and nervousness.
The more presentations you give, the more comfortable you will become. Seek opportunities to present in front of others regularly, whether it’s in professional settings, Toastmasters clubs, or other public speaking forums. With each experience, you’ll gain confidence and become more adept at managing nervousness.
Remember that a certain level of nervousness is normal and can even enhance your performance by keeping you alert and focused. The key is to manage and channel that nervous energy into a positive and productive presentation. With practice, preparation, and the right mindset, you can effectively control your nervousness and deliver a confident presentation.
Edit: That was advice from ai
Speaking in public is a literal impossibility for me. I start getting tunnel vision and dysphoria it’s so bad.
I would suggest that you channel your bad feelings into action and join your local toastmasters group. They will help you get better, and more confident as a public speaker.
The first step of bein good at something is sucking.
Dont give up, learn from the fuck ups you can do this!
If you’d like to chat with someone live(pretty close to on-demand), you can Google a site called 7 cups, it’s a site where people are willing listeners for others who need support(most people are kind there but you may need a couple tries to find a listener you like talking to).
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Practice on a camera & just record speaking into it & then rewatch it & figure out constructive criticism & how to improve upon it. Nobody starts out as a professional speaker, hours of practice & plenty of mistakes
Everyone has this issue once in their lives. My aunt has been a city leader for decades and still nearly shits her pants when doing presentations. I still hear her stutter at public events. You’re not a laughingstock in my eyes, just normal.