[PerfectlyBroken86]

Good morning everyone! I am writing on the forum this morning because I have to give an oral presentation to 40 graduating college students in NYC for work and I am so nervous. I have anxiety about almost everything in general but this just puts it through the roof. Oral presentations have always been one of the things that really makes me anxious. I also have to travel into NYC which I have never done without a friend or co-worker and hate doing. Anyone have any advice or kind words on how I am supposed to get through the day!? I would really appreciate it! Thank you all🤔

[littleblackdog]

I have the same problem and had to give a pitch for work yesterday (with colleagues, but if anything that made me more anxious because I worried about making an idiot out of myself in front of them).
Try to break the day down into small steps, so it doesn't feel so overwhelming. Focus on the travel first, you may not like doing it but you have done it before so you know what you are doing. Given the chance I always leave lots of time because the thought of being late make me really anxious. It also give a little time to recover from the travelling part and prepare for the presentation part.
If you are using slides, try to really plan what you are going to say especially for the first couple of slides. I generally find that getting started is the worst part and then once I get into it, it gets easier.

Maybe also give yourself something to look forward to as a reward to yourself for getting through the day.
Sorry, this is probably not much help but if I knew the answers I wouldn't have been such a nervous wreck yesterday

Good luck and hope it all goes well!

[TishaBuv]

Focus on the importance of what you are doing. Whatever your speech is about will help you and the people in the audience. Once you start speaking, you'll get into what you are saying.

[PerfectlyBroken86]

Thank you to the both you of:-) . My presentation went great. The students actually paid attention and asked many questions at the end. My coworker said I didn't even sound nervous at all. I felt so proud of myself after I was done. I appreciate the support!