A powerpoint presentation!

@JenInTN (27514)
United States
December 3, 2009 4:10am CST
Most of you know that I was considering returning to school to further my education...well..I did. I have been in school for about a month now. The class I'm taking now is a computer as a tool class and I must say that I'm not doing half bad..lol...BUT now..I'm nervous. My latest homework assignment is a powerpoint presentation on anything to do with a computer. Now I have already chosen a subjust and have most of my slides prepared but as Monday approaches, I think of having to get up in front of the class I hate the thought of that and I know alot of people are uncomfortable with that kind of thing. Any tips for doing well? Ways to stay calm? Are you okay with getting up in front of a lot of people?
8 people like this
27 responses
@rjvb26 (2518)
• Philippines
3 Dec 09
Hi! my friend, it is ok to stand up in front of the class, be confident enough and prove your self that you are worthy being there as a student who is trying to achieve a better future. Why be shy, if, you know the topic that you will discuss in front of the class? Why be shy if you are beautiful? Why be shy? They are also a human like you and a student like you who will also discuss their thing in front of the class? What do you think will happen if you will let yourself defeated by that fear in front of your classmates? Do you think you will get a good grade for that? Do you think your professor will be happy for that? What do you think your classmates will think of you, if, you will not discuss your topic on front of the class because of that something, that is bothering you? Believe that you are capable of showing other people that you are a good student. Be proud of yourself, cause you are one of the lucky people who are studying to have a better future. Be confident girl, you are not ugly. I am sure the boys will listen to you if you start discussing. Do you know the lesson well? Here are the possibilities that may happen if you will let yourself be affected by your fear and shyness. Your professor may give you a low grade, your classmates may think of you as stupid person, you may fail the whole subject because of that discussion, and the effort that you exerted on that topic will be all put to waste. So, what do you think now is the best way to do? Time to prove your self girl! Break a leg! Cheers!
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
4 Dec 09
I am doing it on Monday..yes..your response is really helpful..thank you. I'll let you know when I do it how it went and what kind of grade I made on it. Talk to you later.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
3 Dec 09
LOL..Thanks for the pep talk! I do know my subject matter and am very pleased with the content of my presentation. No way I can let my 4.0 gradepoint average drop. I have to do good. Thanks again.
1 person likes this
@rjvb26 (2518)
• Philippines
4 Dec 09
Hey girl! Hows the presentation? Did my response helped? How was it? I am sure you do good! Have a nice day!
1 person likes this
@rajuroy5 (148)
• India
4 Dec 09
when i was a student, i had this nervousness to give some presentation in front of the whole class... but then slowly it went off... you can do one thing... practice the presentation that you have prepared in front of the mirror... it will help you get over your nervousness... also as time will pass you would become enough confident to take on the whole city and show them your presentation... or if you have few friends of your or your family members for help... ask them to sit and then you explain them your presentation... this can also help for your ultimate presentation...
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
4 Dec 09
I really like that idea of doing my presentation in front of a mirror! that would give me some self awareness. Like my facial expressions..lol..I'm very animated and sometimes my face openly displays my emotions..lol..That's not a good thing sometimes. Thanks so much for the pep talk and the advice.
1 person likes this
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
3 Dec 09
First of all, congratulations to you, Jenin for your continuing studies. That's a great opportunity for you to be able to pursue. As for the presentation, just take it that the others are as nervous as you and just give your best shot. You can definitely do it, so go for it. Good luck to you..
1 person likes this
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
7 Dec 09
You are welcome.. so how did it go, Jenin..?
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
3 Dec 09
Thanks zed! I am very excited about it and actually love it. Everyone does seem to be kind of nervous too. Take care and thanks for the support!
2 people like this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
8 Dec 09
I think I did good! Ii was pleasantly surprised that once I got up there and started talking, I relaxed a little and just went with it..lol..I thought I would pass out cold though..lol. I can't wait to get my grade and comments.
1 person likes this
@shenqixu (130)
• China
4 Dec 09
Hello, Jenin TN. I also have the same situations as yours. I really feel some nervours when i get up in front of a lots of people..But, in actually, it is totally un-necessary to feel like that..,When it happens to me, i will do like as follows. First, i will make a full preparation, to make sure everything was condidered... Second, practise is necessary, you may find your good friends as you audiences. Third, Give yourself some confidences and courages. you must believe youself.. yes I Can.. Having a deep breath. Bless you have a good performance....
2 people like this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
4 Dec 09
Thanks for the advice. It's hard to get up in front of people. I hope that I will do good and make a decent grade. I know this is just the beginning of speeches and such so I really have to get over this fear but it's hard..lol..Take care.
2 people like this
@lelin1123 (15595)
• Puerto Rico
4 Dec 09
I'm not at all comfortable in getting up in front of the class or anywhere for that matter to speak. That is one thing I wish I was able to do. I have heard people say when you start to speak in front of a group of people just imagine they are naked. That is suppose to calm you down. I don't know about this because I have never put myself in this type of position. I think if you are prepared work wise you will be just find. Go with the flow and most importantly be yourself. Good Luck to you.
2 people like this
• Boston, Massachusetts
5 Dec 09
Hi Jenintn, I've been exposed and facilitated trainings. Nervousness will always be there but take it positively. A drive that will keep your adrenalin on the go. Be sure that you know by heart your topic. Your powerpoint presentation is just a guide. You'lll not put everything there. Bullets will do. It's a no-no to put so much text in the presentation. You have the responsibility to explain it and make every point clear to your audience. So, you must have a mastery of the subject matter. Having this in mind will give the confidence that you know what you are talking in front of the class. BE YOURSELF. ENJOY YOUR PRESENTATION. GOODLUCK!
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
5 Dec 09
Thank you very much. I am pretty comfortable with my subject and think that I will be ok as far as knowledge goes. I just hope I am able to present it in a professional fashion and don't freeze up or something crazy like that..lol..I hope it goes well. I have got to get over this fear. It's just the beginning of this sort of thing in the degree that I am going for. I have done a group presentation before but it's different when you have to do a whole project alone. Thanks again for your input and well wishes.
1 person likes this
• Boston, Massachusetts
5 Dec 09
That's good. at least you had that experience of presenting in a group. so no need to worry i know you can make it excellently. for that you deserve an A+ grade. cheers!
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
4 Dec 09
Jen...you will do great, the biggest hurdle I think with public speaking is the anticipation! In my long life, it has been part of my life...from introducing the entertainers that I have told you about...to presentation's to committee's...and the last ~~ a eulogy...and I still get, muddled brain, clammy hands...jitters in anticipation..WEAK knees! I don't know what creates this...in my case; insecurity or lack of confidence....but it always seems to go well..and END WELL! I am truly, truly proud of you for juggling your busy lifestyle..and doing SO WELL in your tutorialship! I am NOT surprised at your success. Cheers!
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
4 Dec 09
I think mine is insecurity and maybe even the fear of being judged..lol..I'm silly. I know if anyone knows anything about presentations..it's you...Thanks for the input. I hope I am lucky enough to go well and end well...It would really make me feel good. Hugs!
1 person likes this
@greenline (14838)
• Canada
3 Dec 09
Hello Jenin. You are doing fine. Don't worry at all. You will get all the praise from your professor and your classmates too. And, you certainly deserve that ! Are you going to University of Tennessee , Knoxville ?
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
3 Dec 09
I'm going to the oldest college in Tennesse..Tusculum..check it out. This is the only college in my area that offers accelerated courses. I work fulltime too. Their class schedule really works good for me. Although I only go once a week for four hours, the homework/research assignments they give actually puts me at fulltime status. I get the same workload as the younger students that go everyday. Thanks for the support and take care.
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
3 Dec 09
Just take a deep breath, and picture them naked! lol! No, but seriously, just breath deeply in and out before going up there and remember that your not the only one who is afraid to get up in front of people. Be proud of your work and just present it. Talk loud and clear, and look at the screen a few times, then at a person. Do you have a friend in the class? Look at her or him.
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
11 Dec 09
Yes I don't know if the teacher would take it well if you only focused on her and giggled, unless she took it as nervousness.. GOOD LUCK!
@celticeagle (168269)
• Boise, Idaho
3 Dec 09
I would be totally mortified. Remember the old standby: See the audience without their clothes on. Be sure you know your material backwards and forwards. Think about it. Who in the class intimidates you and analyze it. I think you will do well and as you continue to do these presentations you will become more comfortable. Usually the fear comes from the unknown and as long as you analyze the worst you should be able to make it the best presentation ever!
@celticeagle (168269)
• Boise, Idaho
4 Dec 09
I think as well as you are able to talk to people you will do well. Alot of the fear and uneasiness comes from the unknown. You have more control over smaller settings, one on one type of thing. As you do these more you will become more comfortable. Let me know how it went. I bet you will be pleasantly surprised.
1 person likes this
@syankee525 (6261)
• United States
3 Dec 09
yeah i used to hate getting in front of people. i look over their head. and also here a good advise use goggle to help with your class. i pass my first computer class using goggle.. good luck
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
3 Dec 09
That's actually a very good idea..that would make them feel like I was having eye contact when I would really be staring at a picture on the wall or something like that. Thanks for the advice!
1 person likes this
@missybear (11391)
• United States
3 Dec 09
First of all "Good for you" to try to learn more. I have the same problem, I could never get in front of a crowd and talk. In school my grades were affected by it because I would never raise my hand or get up to the black board. Now don't get me wrong, I can talk your ear off one on one.. Try to picture that you talking to a class full of manikins or maybe animals. I'm sure you do just fine. Sorry I couldn't help you.
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
3 Dec 09
Thank you missybear! It is for sure another chapter in my life that I hadn'tt counted on. I am the same about being able to talk to anyone one on one or even on a casual group of people I barely know..it's the up in front of a group that really gets me. Take care and thanks for the response.
1 person likes this
@shibham (16977)
• India
3 Dec 09
yes jenin. i have presented many papers in front of crowd. as a college lecturer i have to attend seminers and i prepare my papers in various methods. say slide shows, paper reading, projector speeches and so on. i have forgotten when i present my first paper but i can remember that i was a little bit nervous at first but then i thought that if i consider them as my students then it will be easy to face this situation and i did so and feel ok for further process. so i just can say u that u just feel youself as a teacher and treat all of them in front of you as your students. the situation will be under your cotrol. good luck. i have all the best wishes with u. thaks.
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
3 Dec 09
Wow shibham! Sounds like you are a very experienced presentator! I have great respect for anyone that can get up there with ease. I wonder why I have such a problem with it..I'm very outgoing. I will have to try that and think of them as students. Thank you very much for the advice!
1 person likes this
@shibham (16977)
• India
3 Dec 09
i think it will help u better.
• India
3 Dec 09
hi jenin, well m a college student and i hav to prepare and present many ppts in front of whole class or sometimes whole college bt now its f9 i always be a bit nervous bt i guess its okay bcoz it prevents u frm having overconfidence in u bt i would like to say u tht dnt get panic just take a deep breadth n hav confidence in you n think tht u r the master n all r stupids u have to make them understand and watever will u say will be the golden words for them so keep rocking n enjoy ur presentations
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
3 Dec 09
I have to remember that I am teaching them my subject and for a moment..I am the master..lol..I can maybe do that. Thanks for sharing your experience. Take care.
1 person likes this
@callarse1 (4783)
• United States
6 Dec 09
Awww bless your heart! First, I would suggest reading all the requirements of the assignment. Make sure you are doing everything you are required, okay? Second, create the power-point show. Third, review all the steps of #1, did you include A,b,c, etc? Fourth, per requirements in step #1, what will you present? You should practice at least once or twice (more if you want). The more practice at your presentation the better. I found out if I, at least, practice my presentations once or twice, I am much more calm and I do a better job on everything. Have a great day!
@callarse1 (4783)
• United States
7 Dec 09
Have you done the presentation already? If no note cards are allowed / permitted, you can kind of "cheat" with Powerpoint. I'll tell you a little trick. Look for the option to add "slide notes" (I think that's what it's called). You can type short notes there that YOU will only get to see but that the audience cannot see. Moreover, if you cannot do that, make sure you practice a lot WITH notes / note cards. Make notes for each side/card. Then practice at least 2 or more times. You could even practice in front of someone you know (family, friend, classmate, coworker, etc). I hope that helps :)
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
7 Dec 09
I'll have to try that notes at the bottom trick. I am pretty comfortable with the subject but I just don't know how I want to word it..lol..It's tonight!!!! I am freaking out.
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
6 Dec 09
LOL..I am pretty nervous. I have two papers of requirements that I have went over a hundred times..lol..I have also been going over and over what I want to say because we are not aloud to have any index cards or notes.. That would really help if I could have those. I'm just afraid of getting up there and freezing or something crazy like that. Thanks for the advice and well wishes.
1 person likes this
@ahgong (10064)
• Singapore
4 Dec 09
Congratulations! Your first step is taken to improving your life. All the best to the rest of the journey till you graduate! Doing presentations and getting nervous is natural. All you need is practice and you will be able to overcome anything! Try practicing in front of your kids. And being prepared with your material will help a lot in boosting that confidence when doing your presentation.
@ahgong (10064)
• Singapore
7 Dec 09
ha ha ha ha ha... so, I guess it is going to be part of their activities to be listening and criticizing about mommy's presentation! A win-win situation actually. Cos if yo can captivate their attention to your presentation, you got a good presentation prepared. And if they are captivated and listen to your presentation, they could jolly well be learning much more than the books they read and study in school! How did the presentation go?
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
7 Dec 09
It's tommorrow night
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
4 Dec 09
Thanks ahgong! I am very excited about this new chapter in my life. I love learning. I've got my children ready for mom to practice over the weekend...lol..they are ready...take care.
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
9 Dec 09
Yikes. you've probably already done it. I'm so far behind. But if you haven't, my advice is this: rehearse, rehearse, rehearse...
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
10 Dec 09
I did do it on Monday. I wass terrified. It was like someone had sucked all the air out of the room..lol...Once I saw how scared everyone else was, I felt a little better. I think I did ok but I haven't got my grade on it yet.
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
10 Dec 09
My daughter had the same thing. When she saw how nervous everybody else was, and also that her presentation was better than some of theirs, it helped some.
@mobhomeir (7558)
• Philippines
6 Dec 09
Hello Jenin you're right nervousness could not be avoided specially on public presentation with hi tech gadget that you're used to it. Actually it also happened to me just three weeks ago when we have a power point presentation in our sales projection for 2010. I felt nervous really since that was my first time to met my co sales person. I only felt comfortable as we go along with the people around...feeling as if I am already with them for a long time and that was the time I felt relax and successfully present my projection via power point... I replied this late..I hope you successfully present your part... Keep it up! Mobhomeir
@mobhomeir (7558)
• Philippines
7 Dec 09
Wish you good luck then...
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
6 Dec 09
No to late my friend. My presentation is not until tommorrow night. They are really working to take us out of our "box"/comfort zone. I hate to say that it's working just fine with me..lol..I hope I do as well as you did. Thanks for the response.
1 person likes this
@GADHISUNU (2162)
• India
3 Dec 09
Yea. Jenin, first a "Wish you All the Best and a resounding success at your attempt." Well, as part of my indistrial job I have to make presentations too. In my case often to different types of audiences. To our Unit head, to our customers, to our colleagues. It is the case reverse with me, I must say. I was more comfortable as young man than now. Though I can't say I will be nervous, of late I am not finding what I have to present must be of importance to the people.That is the real catch these days. I feel very confident when I know I am presenting someone something that is new to them.This (feeling confident) happens when I address customers. Recently there was a situation where I had to address our customers in the presence of my peers and just one level seniors. That is when I felt pretty bad addressing the group. For in my opinion, such a presentation as I made was not necessary for the cutomer. but then such a requirement was placed by our sales department. I am in the Engineering Department. So, in sum one is automatically confident when one is speaking on a subject where one is an authority. In your case you are speaking to your own class. Then I am sure it must not be the same subject that everybody is gonna handle. That itself must be a lot comforting.So, you must be cheerful. Whenever you feel nervous take long and slow breaths, closing your eyes. You must prepare in asuch a manner that you have seen your own presentation several times before you do it there. So, if you have prepared the slides by yourself then this problem wont be there. Whereas, when I had to present often the slides would have been made by others and I only get to go through them at my leisure. Once I had to present the work done at our company to an unknown audience drawn from various US companies, in Hershey, Penn. I could that presentation itself very well. But even there, this feeling of what is so great about what I am doing kept nagging me. But I did silence my mind for the period of the lecture session. The time given me was 30-40 min. And I think I overshot by at least 15 min!
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
3 Dec 09
I think that my subject will be pretty new to most of the class..that does give me a bit of comfort. If I see they are really interested in what I am saying, I think that I will gain comfort and confidence. I had to give a presentation when I went to Japan but I was part of a group so I wasn't "alone' up there. That was comforting but I felt like i was under heavy scrutiny because I was the only female in the group. Thanks for responding..I really appreciate it.
1 person likes this
@Hvaniday1 (550)
• Malaysia
5 Dec 09
Yay! Presentation, this is most scary part of public speaking. Practice is the key to success on every presentation. As you may know what are you going to present and stop worrying about those scary thought. You can overcome it by using the breathing techniques and most of all your audience don't even know what are you going to present. You are making yourself worry, tell a good story will be fine. Happy Mylotting.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
5 Dec 09
LOL..I am working myself up. I am going to practice most all weekend..lol..My kids have already been told to make no other plans but giving their mom an audience..lol..Bet they are looking forward to that huh? LOL Thanks for responding.