[HillNPStudent]

Ok, so in about two weeks I have to do an oral presentation on my research project for one of my MSN FNP classes. Can I say- I HATE ORAL PRESENTATIONS! Does anyone have any good suggestions for how to get through it? It is a fifteen minute deal....my problem is I just get nervous and HATE having everyone sit there and stare at me while I present!

[PurrRN]

One of the best things I can suggest is to practice, practice, practice. Take the entire presentation and practice in front of your family. Doing it in front of people like friends and family works better than practicing to an imaginary group. Also, take a minute to remember that most people are nervous in front of other people when being the focus of attention, so you are not alone in "hating" to give oral presentations. Index cards are your friends, so get them out so that you can have a point of reference if you lose your place and remember to breathe. I don't like giving oral presentations either, but I tell myself "what's the worst they are going to do to me?". Most of the time people are really supportive because they know at some point they are going to have to go next and give their presentations. Hope you do well, good Luck!!

[neneRN]

Absolutely agree with above poster. I had to give a half hour lecture for the first time ever a few months ago, and I had to give it two days in a row. The first day was absolutely horrible..I knew my material really well, so figured I'd just get up there and wing it...yeah, not so much. Turned bright red, shaky voice, shaky hands, forgot parts of it. I went home after that and practiced aloud in front of my mirror for a few hours..went back the next day and it was so easy, went so well. Too bad my boss was only there for the first attempt!

[Chopper]

I hate doing presentations too, but I will tell you what saves me in my program...POWERPOINT!! It gives the audience something else to look at besides you and gives you an outline of your speech right in front of you! They are easy to do and you can load them onto a jump drive if they have a computer set up in the room. Good luck!

Chopper

[HillNPStudent]

Originally Posted by Chopper

I hate doing presentations too, but I will tell you what saves me in my program...POWERPOINT!! It gives the audience something else to look at besides you and gives you an outline of your speech right in front of you! They are easy to do and you can load them onto a jump drive if they have a computer set up in the room. Good luck!

Chopper

Yes, I LOVE powerpoint. I am actually using it for this presentation. I have done presentations before and I usually do fine other than the nerves-it's just the dread leading up to it that gets me.