Need Support About Work Presentations, Please!

I have an in person client presentation coming up on Thurs that I am really worried about.

I have PTSD and what happens when I have to talk in front of a lot of people is my voice shakes and my whole body shakes. These are the effects of my PTSD. I am scared to death that this will happen in front of a whole room of 12 people. I also easily get flustered and rush through what I have to say. Then I also blank out and cannot easily think or answer questions off the top of my head. I just blurt out whatever comes to mind first because I am so anxious.

If it were just a couple people, I would be OK, but this could be a room full of 12 people, possibly including my own company's CEO -- ARGH!

My anti-anxiety med helps reduce the shaking and my nerves, but I just need some moral support around this, and maybe suggestions around how to handle it...

I am terrified of screwing this up as a Senior member of the team, who really shouldn't have these issues.

Thank you!!

I just experienced something like this but now it is totally behind me. An unfortunate family incident occurred causing my H and I to fight. I totally stood up for myself during that fight ( something I am proud of); however, because I hate being confrontational--my panic attacks, which I hadn't had in a while became severe. My part time job is security at NFL games. On Sunday, I was assigned to check bags and whenever I found prohibited items and enforced the rules--my panic attacks became bad to the point that I had to "yell" in order to make a small voice come out. It was uncomfortable but I simply recognized it for what is was and endured. I have always made a point of not allowing my panic attacks stop my life no matter how dizzy and lightheaded they make me. I also hide them from others (not sure this is good but it is my personality). I think of them as something I have to push through like a marathon runner does.

PTSD is aggravating because we can't control it, but by going on with things that are important to us despite our disorders, we are taking a measure of control! And knowing yourself and what could happen plus thinking of ways beforehand to combat it will help. (Like deep breathing in the morning, visual aides that you can refer to or ask others to read, extra medication, less coffee, remember that pausing actually improves the dramatic effect of a presentation, etc.) I read on hear (a PC article) that when you are ruminating, place that thought on a car driving by and let is carry you away. Perhaps you can find a friendly client or coworker in the audience and feel their warmth (like they wouldn't want you to suffer/would understand). Try to connect/ think of what they might be worrying about.

Good luck Golden Eve!!!!

Propranolol is a helpful medication to use as needed for performance anxiety. It helped me a great deal. Toastmasters is a great group to join. The main thing with public speaking is lots of practice. Know your talk really, really well and that should help quite a bit. You can do this. ❤️

Yes, I totally hear you, g_e.

I can't say I've been in the exact same situation as what yours will be, but in my own situations where I know my self confidence and composure will be put to the test, one thing I do leading up to the situation is I recall an inspirational person that I admire and just reflect on the types of character strengths it took for them to overcome their difficulties - sort of 'channeling their spirit' if you will. It does help me.

And then in the situation itself, I use mindfulness and focus of concentration to maintain composure, knowing and believing in myself. For me, this tricks the mind into a sense of confidence that might not otherwise be there. And when people speak to you golden_eve, put all your attention onto them, listening attentively with good eye contact, staying focused. And then reply at the right time.

Those things don't come naturally to me but having adopted them over the years, they do get me through in one piece.

You'll be okay golden_eve, and just remember your own positive qualities too, of which you have many; that you're equal-to, and better-than a lot of people. This can help with self esteem in trying times.

Big hugs to you golden_eve. You'll nail it don't you worry. Now go get 'em tiger!! ha

Thank you all very much for the suggestions!! I appreciate it greatly!!! They're some great suggestions that I will take to heart. I'm exhausted so I cannot write much right now, but thank you.

I second the memorabilia idea, but if you could try it out the day before to make sure you don't get any adverse reaction.

Thank you, Deejay!!

Ogden, it is natural to worry about work, but I can't help but think of this huge adjustment to this job a d you got through that, so I am sure you can get through this. Try to picture your fiance in the room with you. You got this!!!

Awww, thank you SO much Deejay. You are very sweet. I will picture him!!! That would help a LOT in fact! hehehee.

Does the old trick of picturing them without their pants still work?

I don't have a lot of suggestions, as I struggle with this too (although no severe panic attacks) but I hope everything will go well on Thursday. You can do it Let us know how it goes!

Ha, I wish it did!! Thanks Mickey!

I cannot sleep and I believe it's anxiety before my client presentation tomorrow. This sucks. Before I took this job, I didn't know that I may have to present in front of a room full of people. UGh. Maybe I'm just grumpy that I cannot sleep.

It's going to be okay golden_eve. Just put forward your presentation in a mellow manner, regardless of what you might be feeling within yourself, and it'll be okay. Sending out positive energy to you. Look 'em in the eye as though they're beneath you - that helps, ha.

((((golden_eve))))

Thank you, Mote!!! I love what you wrote... lol. Hehee.

Yeah, I fumbled through the presentation. My boss told me he could tell I was nervous. My freaking Director of Operations above him threw me for a loop last minute and threw me off with something that wasn't planned or even done. It messed up my whole plan for my presentation and made me that much more nervous. Thanks a freaking lot!

It sucked, basically. I think I am starting to hate this job now.

The experience is never wasted. You will just be that much better next time.

Aw, thanks for the update. Good on you for trying golden, I was wondering how it went. Yes, sounds like a very trying workload all right. Maybe with a little more time and familiarity [which is said to breed contempt actually] things will go a lot smoother.

Sending out positivity to you g_e ((((golden_eve))))

Most wise words, Deejay! You're right I will. I will be able to know that a curve ball could come at any time, even from my own team!!! ARGH, GRRRRR. LOL.

Good for you for doing something that you found so scary. That's real courage.

Thank you so much, Mote! Yes, that positive vibe always seems to work, no matter what. Even when someone says something as simple as "sending you positive vibes!" it makes me feel better.

It IS a very trying workload to say the least. Every single day I remind myself of how much money I am making that day. I know that sounds silly, but it helps me get through all the BS and the difficulty of it all. I am being paid well to do very difficult work. I think I deserve a raise. hehehehe.

Awwww, thank you!!!

Yeah, working hard is hard work, isn't it?

Omg, it really IS!!!

You're welcome.

No, it doesn't sound silly. I think if the job itself is trying, then the money can definitely be a good incentive. Yes, drop a few powerful hints to the boss about a raise. The more money the merrier :-)

Have some more positive energy from me too golden ((((Positivity!!))))