How do post-grads feel about doing presentations? During my masters I did 4 and each time it did get easier but I hate doing them and I get so nervous. Im dreading having to do them for my PhD. My biggest worry is looking stupid in front of clever people. I've always done well in presentations but I am getting really nervous with the thought of doing them as a PhD student. I would be expected to be really smart.

Everyone is scared of oral presentations, so don't be overly worried. Your uni will probably have a presentation course you can go to. And nobody will expect you to be able to aswer all the questions afer the talk- thats s what talks are there for- to give you new ideas or point out difficulties with your project.

This is the exact thing i was worrying about today. I have to do a presentation soon and dreading it

I went on my Uni's presentation skills course - it was helpful, if only to realise that everybody is scared!! I find that I am less nervous if I know that I have prepared well (lots of rehearsals, if only to yourself). Helps to have a back-up plan in case of technical difficulties e.g. take along some OHP acetates as well as your Powerpoint presentation, just in case of a software compatibility problem. If possible, test out the presentation in the place where you will have to deliver it before the big day. Good luck! :o)