Hi all,

I'd like to ask for some advice on coping with presentations.

I have just finished my first year and I am moving straight into the second. I have to present my project to my peers and to some "higher-ups". I am really nervous. I think I know my topic rather well, but my reading is rather slow (I have to read a single paper about 4 times to get the gist of it!) so I don't feel I have a lot of background knowledge. My project is also rather slow in it's progress due to a) the nature of the model I am using and b) I was diagnosed with depression about 6 months in, although I probably had the problems for a very long time (before I even applied for the position!!). Imposter syndrome, infantalisation, the works. This I am getting help and counselling for but I don't know how to deal with this should somebody ask me why I don't seem to have made much progress. I know I should also be presenting a plan "B" but at the moment I don't have any ideas!! I feel I may make myself - and my boss - look like an idiot. :(

Any advice?

CC

Seriously, don't stress! Every first year student feels like this. It will get better. I've just started my third year and I still don't feel like I know enough! I think it's a sign of a good student (at least I hope it is!) as it makes you work harder to obtain knowledge.

Most people do very little in the first year and your supervisors would have told you by now if this little wasn't enough.

My advice would be: Don't tell people you're nervous, then pretend you're not. Fake it. It really does work. I hate giving presentations too but it's an essential component of academia. You probably will get asked questions you can't answer, that's ok, just say you're not sure but based on your reading of the literature you would think... You'll be fine I'm sure. Good Luck!

Please let me add: If you get nervous, it is absolutely normal. If others notice it, they see that your work is important to you.

There are some good suggestions on a previous post on this topic http://www.postgraduateforum.com/thread-26896/

Hi all,

I just want to say thankyou for your posts.

The talk went OK, for a first year presentation. :)

Feeling a lot better now, as a result.