Worried about oral presentations!!!

anonymousstudent · Oct 24, 2010

I would love it if you'd start by writing this post and removing all of the self-degradation.

Any kind of presentation you have to give in NS is likely to focus on relevant material and patient teaching. You don't have to debate or convince people of your opinion. It's pretty cut and dry. You'll be fine!

Tarabara · Oct 25, 2010

I hate public speaking too but luckily so far in nursing school i've only had to do it twice, and both times it was a group project which is a lot easier than speaking by myself. The more you do it though the easier it gets, Im much better at it now than I used to be. One thing I repeatedly tell myself before im about to do any public speaking is that the audience doesnt know im scared, they have no idea how I feel inside so if I dont show it they'll think im confident and know what im talking about. If your anxiety about public speaking is really severe you might consider asking your doctor about using beta blockers before, that will at least reduce your heart rate/panicky feeling. Good luck to you!

Darkpk55 · Oct 25, 2010

What do you do in group presentations

tammy1974 · Oct 25, 2010

I agree with the other poster, most presentations are done as a group. There are so many people in a nursing class that for each of you to do an individual presentation is unrealistic and time consuming. Our program does group presentations as well. There are usually 5-6 people in a group and each person does a part. In our program the presentation couldn't be more than ten minutes long, which meant that you only have to speak for 1-2 minutes. Start by telling yourself that you CAN do it. The more you beat yourself up, the worse off you will be. One thing I found helped is taking a Psychology of Human Relations class. It really helps improve communication skills. Remember, everyone of you are nervous at first but it does get easier the more you do it. If that doesn't work, just picture the audience naked!!!! LOL:rotfl:

caliotter3 · Oct 25, 2010

You're not there yet. Don't make this out to be more than it really is. It is nothing more than another assignment that you will approach with a serious outlook, do the work required, and get it behind you. None of my nursing school presentations were that earth shattering. As long as someone does the assignment with some degree of effort, they get credit for it. At least that was the way it was at my school. I suspect your nursing school will have a similar attitude.

NICURN2013 · Oct 25, 2010

I do NOT like giving oral presentations AT ALL. I would rather do basically anything other than an oral presentation. However, so far with pre-reqs, I've had to give OVER 10 presentations (probably half group/half solo). That includes the speech class I took (which didn't help AT ALL because the class was HUGE (70+ students)) So I was always terrified. However, TODAY :) :) :) I had to give a presentation in my Microbiology lab and I actually felt good about it after. This is the first time I didn't feel like I totally failed at a speech AND the professor said I did good. It's a great feeling but I know I still have a long way to go in the oral presentation area. The lab only had about 18 students and I practiced a lot. I did get a little shaky, but I actually gave a good presentation.

My advice: PRACTICE a lot. Time yourself before you go to class & expect to rush a little. Use family/friends/significant other to practice on & ABSOLUTELY practice OUT LOUD!!! You can say it a million times in your head & that isn't going to do anything for you. Also, I've noticed it helps to look at a friend or something that isn't going to make you nervous while giving your presentation in class. This helps a lot. If you're scanning the room looking at everyone it's just going to make you more nervous. Finally, not many people I know actually LIKE giving presentations, so you're definitely not alone. Remember - you're going to have to give presentations, so it will get better. It's taken some time for me, but I actually can tell a difference now and that's very rewarding. Another tip: go in the beginning. I know that it's scary to be one of the first people, but it helps to get it out of the way. If you have to wait the whole class period to give your presentation, you're just going to get more nervous.

I hope this helps!! GOOD LUCK! :) It will get easier!! I should know! :yeah: :yeah:

peachy11 · Oct 26, 2010

Don't wait until the last minute. Know the topic in and out! If you truly understand what you are talking about, then you should do fine! And last of all, confidence in yourself. You can do it! At most of my clinicals, the nurses take turns giving presentations on certain topics to their peers on the floor. It's not over once you are done with nursing school!

PhilShackleford · Aug 17, 2014

A fear of public speaking isn't unique and is actually known as glossophobia. Glossophobia can occur when speaking or performing any act in-front of an audience. I use fear of public speaking for techniques and tips.