Presentation anxiety
Yesterday I had a presentation in my college, and I had to present my ideas about the topic to my colleagues.
But when I got up front, everything in my mind went blank, so I instinctually cherry pick my thoughts, and that went SUPER badly
I also wasn't even able to finish one sentence, I felt like I wasnt being myself either. I was intentionally speaking loudly, I was trying to form sentences in a way I'm a bit foreign to. I was moving my body the whole time, but even that I was still nervouse as ***.
I am so tired of this, because this has been going since middleschool. I want whatever is making me feel like this to be gone, I will have alot of times when I will go upfront and speak. I'm not even acknowledging the feelig that much anymore when I go upfront because I've experienced this too many times
I just wanted to rant out, thank you for reading my message
@reliableShade7850
Thank you for sharing.
Ah it's a hard one, presentations and public speaking can be so difficult.
And ultimately we are all nervous.
Some sadly more so than others.
It's about practice.
Consistency.
And letting go when it's not good.
Knowing you did it anyway and that you tried your best.
Fair play to you for getting through it 💙🤗
Thank you so much for the support, I love this community ❤️
@reliableShade7850
My pleasure 🤗💙
@reliableShade7850
Hey, thanks for opening up. I struggled with presentations and public speaking through most of school too. Even the idea of speaking in front of people made me freeze. I would forget everything the moment all eyes were on me.
Things shifted during school elections. I did not expect much from myself. I thought I would back out or mess it up. Around that time, I came across a line that stuck with me: “One day I just decided to be confident, and I did it.” It sounded unrealistic, but on the day of my first campaign speech, I told myself the same thing, and something clicked.
I spoke clearly, loudly, and confidently like never before. The same crowd that used to make me nervous was just quiet and listening. I did not win the position, but that moment opened other doors such as elocution competitions, hosting events, and speaking in assemblies.
What I have learned is that confidence really does start from within. If eye contact feels overwhelming, you can shift your gaze between people or even look just past them at the wall. It works more than you would think. Watching people vlog or talk freely has also helped me get comfortable expressing my thoughts, and practicing in front of a mirror makes a difference too.
You have got this.
