Last Friday, I was giving the final presentation of a project. I noticed the ease and confidence with which I was presenting myself, and the audience listening with apt attention. On the way home, I was happy that the presentation went well and I started tracing back my thoughts on my transition from the shy, stage-fearing me from my childhood and adolescence to what I am now.
Having been a really shy (read apprehensive of criticism) kid, I never moved out of my comfort zone to speak in public, ie. in oratorical contests and class skits. I had extreme stage-fear and envied the kids who would very casually go in front of a class and deliver a very good speech, without an iota of fear, which meant no stammering or shivering. I would look at such kids in awe wondering if I would ever become such a confident person. A teacher once told me, 'If you are presenting something, assume that you know everything and the audience has very little idea about whatever you are talking. This will definitely increase your confidence' and I always wondered if it was true.
Even in the initial semesters of my Undergraduation, I was always hesitant to volunteer for class activities, though I would really want to. In one of the Personal Development classes, the Professor asked for three volunteers to give a presentation on Public Speaking. I overcame my inertia and volunteered. I prepared really well and on the big day, my anxiety shot to peaks wherein my stomach started hurting, I felt sick and my hands were sweating! I guess everyone goes through that stage. It was my turn, I went on to the dais, a little nervous outside and way too nervous inside. It initially felt intimidating, but I was reminded of my teacher's statement (mentioned above) and in contrast to my apprehension, I did quite well. My teacher's words DID work out!
The presentation was on the 'Importance of Body Language while addressing a gathering' and taught me allot about what to and what not to do on stage. For me, it was a life-changing moment. It helped me lay a strong foundation for my presentation skills, showing me the path to improve myself and become a better speaker, overcoming my fear and moving out of my comfort zone. I started volunteering for few class seminars, though with a lot of reluctance, for the pure satisfaction it gave. Every time I waited for my turn, I would experience the same feelings as the first time, a little apprehension, a slight discomfort and a thought of giving up.
I started my Master's study and my research team knew me as the very reserved girl, till the day of my first project presentation. I still remember one of them commenting that my presentation was too good and no one expected me to be audible to the entire room. One after the other, my self-confidence increased. I started taking recitation classes for undergrad students as part of my Assistantship and trust me, the first class was intimidating. I got over the fear by preparing well for the classes. My stage fear slowly disintegrated and helped strengthen my love for the stage.
Now, almost an year into teaching, I have the confidence to address a gathering of any number of people with ease. Thus was my metamorphosis from the girl with stage-fear to the confident young woman who loves the stage.
So, if you, yes the one reading this blog has stage-fear, face it and overcome it. You will soon realize that the demons are in your mind intimidating you. Start by volunteering to talk before your class and give your best shot. If I was able to change from a very shy person to a confident speaker, you too can! Just push yourself out of the comfort zone of your seats and get onto the stage, smile a little and speak confidently as if you are teaching or discussing something with your close friends. It is just as easy as that.
The feeling after you deliver a good presentation, wherein you know that the audience was paying attention to you is just pure bliss. I would love everyone to experience that!
(To be continued..Some tips on giving really good presentations, from lessons I learnt from my mistakes and the mistakes others have made, and inspirations from really good speakers whom I look upto)
Having been a really shy (read apprehensive of criticism) kid, I never moved out of my comfort zone to speak in public, ie. in oratorical contests and class skits. I had extreme stage-fear and envied the kids who would very casually go in front of a class and deliver a very good speech, without an iota of fear, which meant no stammering or shivering. I would look at such kids in awe wondering if I would ever become such a confident person. A teacher once told me, 'If you are presenting something, assume that you know everything and the audience has very little idea about whatever you are talking. This will definitely increase your confidence' and I always wondered if it was true.
Even in the initial semesters of my Undergraduation, I was always hesitant to volunteer for class activities, though I would really want to. In one of the Personal Development classes, the Professor asked for three volunteers to give a presentation on Public Speaking. I overcame my inertia and volunteered. I prepared really well and on the big day, my anxiety shot to peaks wherein my stomach started hurting, I felt sick and my hands were sweating! I guess everyone goes through that stage. It was my turn, I went on to the dais, a little nervous outside and way too nervous inside. It initially felt intimidating, but I was reminded of my teacher's statement (mentioned above) and in contrast to my apprehension, I did quite well. My teacher's words DID work out!
The presentation was on the 'Importance of Body Language while addressing a gathering' and taught me allot about what to and what not to do on stage. For me, it was a life-changing moment. It helped me lay a strong foundation for my presentation skills, showing me the path to improve myself and become a better speaker, overcoming my fear and moving out of my comfort zone. I started volunteering for few class seminars, though with a lot of reluctance, for the pure satisfaction it gave. Every time I waited for my turn, I would experience the same feelings as the first time, a little apprehension, a slight discomfort and a thought of giving up.
I started my Master's study and my research team knew me as the very reserved girl, till the day of my first project presentation. I still remember one of them commenting that my presentation was too good and no one expected me to be audible to the entire room. One after the other, my self-confidence increased. I started taking recitation classes for undergrad students as part of my Assistantship and trust me, the first class was intimidating. I got over the fear by preparing well for the classes. My stage fear slowly disintegrated and helped strengthen my love for the stage.
Now, almost an year into teaching, I have the confidence to address a gathering of any number of people with ease. Thus was my metamorphosis from the girl with stage-fear to the confident young woman who loves the stage.
So, if you, yes the one reading this blog has stage-fear, face it and overcome it. You will soon realize that the demons are in your mind intimidating you. Start by volunteering to talk before your class and give your best shot. If I was able to change from a very shy person to a confident speaker, you too can! Just push yourself out of the comfort zone of your seats and get onto the stage, smile a little and speak confidently as if you are teaching or discussing something with your close friends. It is just as easy as that.
The feeling after you deliver a good presentation, wherein you know that the audience was paying attention to you is just pure bliss. I would love everyone to experience that!
Keep smiling and have a great week!
-Yamini
Really encouraging blog for people like me :) :)
ReplyDelete@Gowtham: I am happy to know that :) thank you :)
DeleteDo share this if you liked it..
In one way or another, your transition resembles me. :). Good one. A nice writeup.
ReplyDelete:) thanks
DeleteGreat Yamini...I am happy that you broke the shell!! One of these days, I would like to see you give a presentation..:-) all the best to you Yamini!! By the way, good write up...
ReplyDeleteIt is true that until you jump / are pushed into the water, you can never learn swimming. Same is with every sphere of life. I still recall that we both walked about 1.5 km daily morning when you were less than 2 years. Always from childhood, I was confident that you will outsmart your peers every day. Like every one, you also had your share of few disappointments.But I am proud that you happily overcame those moments and sincerely worked hard in the opportunities you. The way you transformed yourself is wonderful. I am proud that your first Guru(me) has lot to learn from you. Blessings.Appa
ReplyDeleteReally great and motivating \m/..........I could assume that the others don't know anything.....but everyone will definitely confirm that I don't know anything,the moment I start the presentation!!! ;)
ReplyDelete