Public Speaking Anxiety

[DaveKell]

I’m scheduled to be the implant patient speaker at my first seminar with a surgeon on the 27th of this month. I did a number of these seminars last year and know that this particular doctor in one of the most prestigious Dallas hospitals has well attended seminars. This doctor is very adept at introducing a light hearted humor into sensitive parts of his presentation. I’ve followed this lead a couple of times with very good outcome. My presentations have been well received with compliments coming afterwards from attendees, the doctor and my implant manufacturer rep.

I’m wrestling already with nervousness for this first seminar! I don’t know why it’s happening because every seminar I’ve done has turned out very well. I also have no idea how to make it go away. Public speaking ranks high on any list of anxiety causing events and I’ve experienced a normal, expected amount of it before every seminar I’ve done. It goes with the territory. I’ve never experienced it this early before one though.

This is a stretch but I’m wondering if my recent drastic 9 level spinal fusion at the end of last year has anything to do with it? The only correlation being a surgeon and hospital setting. It’s crazy I know but it’s also uncomfortable. I need it to go away until the usual few hours before the actual event!!! My confidence in the eventual presentation notwithstanding, these butterflies are overstaying their welcome. Any words of wisdom from my cohorts in FT?

[bldoink]

If you find a solution other than the pam family please share it.

[happycamper59]

Public speaking is one of the top stressers for everyone. Many simply cannot do it.

There are likely many methods to calm yourself down about it (I suggest Google it).

In my experience, I suggest preparing yourself with what you will be speaking about, any possible Q&A, rehearsing. Then relax. Tell yourself to enjoy the spotlight. You will have fun. Audiences smell fear. Don't let them. Talk to just the first few people you can see from the podium or stage, and the rest will follow.

[Lost Sheep]

DaveKell,

You are probably in a better position to GIVE advice than to need it. Recognize that you HAVE expertise. Expertise both in public speaking AND in the subject matter.

You are there primarily because you have knowledge of the subject matter. Everything else is secondary. If you stutter, stop to drink water, whatever, these are all secondary considerations.

At worst, you could say nothing yourself, but tell folks your name and open the floor to questions. But your 3 minute auto-biography is sure to get your elocutionary juices flowing.

Good luck. Not that you need it.

Lost Sheep

[vajim1]

You could start out showing your implant and pump it up. I am sure that will make the rest easier. LOL

[DaveKell]

Tonight’s seminar was most awesome of any. Nearly a full auditorium. I got some funny comments in at the beginning that lightened the presentation. The interest was the highest of any prior seminar. There were tons of questions afterwards, even the most my wife has ever gotten. Took us a half hour to leave for all the people coming down to shake our hands and thank us. The surgeon said lots of appointment request cards were piling up. A few people got our phone number for followup calls. Great success and infinite satisfaction helping people improve their lives.

[antelope]

Well done. You may have saved a life, certainly a marriage or two.

[Larry10625]

Tonight’s seminar was most awesome of any. Nearly a full auditorium. I got some funny comments in at the beginning that lightened the presentation. The interest was the highest of any prior seminar. There were tons of questions afterwards, even the most my wife has ever gotten. Took us a half hour to leave for all the people coming down to shake our hands and thank us. The surgeon said lots of appointment request cards were piling up. A few people got our phone number for followup calls. Great success and infinite satisfaction helping people improve their lives.

Nice going Dave... congratulations.

Larry

[Lost Sheep]

Tonight’s seminar was most awesome of any. Nearly a full auditorium. I got some funny comments in at the beginning that lightened the presentation. The interest was the highest of any prior seminar. There were tons of questions afterwards, even the most my wife has ever gotten. Took us a half hour to leave for all the people coming down to shake our hands and thank us. The surgeon said lots of appointment request cards were piling up. A few people got our phone number for followup calls. Great success and infinite satisfaction helping people improve their lives.

Cool, Dave.

Everyone has second thoughts and self-doubt occasionally.

I am sure everyone you met (and will meet) are happy that you are doing what you do. I am also sure everyone on this forum is glad you decided to stay and share your very valuable insights and experiences.

Ever consider writing a book? Perhaps a "how-to" manual on

1) opening up and discussing things with one's significant other
2) opening up a discussion with medical professionals
3) dealing with the discussion that goes on inside one's own head

I think your wisdom gained by having overcome issues would make a really good read.

[Larry10625]

Tonight’s seminar was most awesome of any. Nearly a full auditorium. I got some funny comments in at the beginning that lightened the presentation. The interest was the highest of any prior seminar. There were tons of questions afterwards, even the most my wife has ever gotten. Took us a half hour to leave for all the people coming down to shake our hands and thank us. The surgeon said lots of appointment request cards were piling up. A few people got our phone number for followup calls. Great success and infinite satisfaction helping people improve their lives.

Cool, Dave.

Everyone has second thoughts and self-doubt occasionally.

I am sure everyone you met (and will meet) are happy that you are doing what you do. I am also sure everyone on this forum is glad you decided to stay and share your very valuable insights and experiences.

Ever consider writing a book? Perhaps a "how-to" manual on

1) opening up and discussing things with one's significant other
2) opening up a discussion with medical professionals
3) dealing with the discussion that goes on inside one's own head

I think your wisdom gained by having overcome issues would make a really good read.

100% agree

Larry