Dear Terry,
I've been asked to give a presentation. I know the topic, but the group will be bigger and I want to be seen as prepared, knowledgeable, etc. I get confused by my preoccupation with the audience. I forget stuff I know, and come across as weak and unprofessional. This compounds my fears and it becomes a vicious cycle. How do I fix this? What can I do to overcome this? It holds me back and makes me seem less in the eyes of others.
- Confused Presenter
Dear Confused,
Without a doubt, you know well the material you will present. Somewhere along life's journey, like so many of us, you have developed a feeling of being "not good enough." Therefore, you have given the audience the power to judge you and your presentation.
I am getting the drift that this is truly a vicious cycle for you, whether you are presenting at work, home, or play.
Suggestion. Find a group of colleagues and friends to practice your presentations with, and you will overcome these obstacles and fears. Once you practice, practice, practice with your trusted colleagues and friends, you will develop confidence in yourself as a speaker so that you will let go of judging yourself too harshly. Your practice group will empower you by offering you feedback in an uplifting fashion. They will help you to see yourself as capable, rather than criticize you to make you feel otherwise. They will want you to overcome your speech anxiety and make you feel good enough to soar like an eagle.
Once you feel better about yourself, like you are "good enough," you will make an excellent presentation because your confidence will attract your audience's attention. Again, work on yourself. Once you focus on giving an excellent presentation, you will not have time to worry about what others think of you. Besides, who gives a hoot what others think?
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