Spotlight

I’ve had my fair share of presentation-giving, but I still get incredibly nervous just before I begin one. It’s some anxiety - some deep fear ingrained in me that reveals itself under a spotlight: stage fright.

Yes, stage fright. The term I’ve heard for years, the one I’ve had to overcome for countless on-stage performances and auditions. Previously, my nerves would usually get the better of me, but in the past week, when I gave my first presentation in two months, I (surprisingly) pushed my nerves out of the way and gave a solid presentation.

This presentation was only 5 minutes long and was over a ridiculous topic that I chose: edible cookie dough. Although, I think these factors greatly contributed to my success and comfort level. The topic was one I was very comfortable with, and a 5-minute presentation is quite short. I also happened to be quite comfortable with the group I was presenting to, so that alleviated some pressure as well.

This presentation was truly a time of firsts - the first presentation I felt went fairly well, and the first presentation in which I volunteered to go first. I’m one of those students who loves to sit back in class and learn by listening to other people. I’m almost always the last to volunteer for anything, which always seemed to work just fine for me.

Teachers always loved the smart, quiet kids in class who did their work without complaint because they could always rely on the more outspoken kids in the class to participate in discussions. Unfortunately, with online school, everyone has suddenly become very quiet, and participation has become a way of proving yourself (in the sense that you are actively listening in class). Just turning in assignments and doing what you’re supposed to is not enough - especially not in ISM.

I may sound pessimistic on this front, but I’m honestly very grateful for the opportunity to stress myself out more by getting out of my comfort zone. It allows me to grow as a person and learn to speak up more. Truthfully, I don’t know why I’ve always chosen to go last on presentation days; it’s the worst spot. I loved being able to get my presentation done and over with first thing so I could relax more for the rest of class.

There is still quite a bit of work to be done concerning my presentations, but I think I’ve taken a significant step forward in terms of being more outspoken and participating more. I’ve also started to step out of my comfort zone in my classes. I’m making an effort to break through any social anxiety I have and try my best to connect with people through participating in discussions, answering questions, etc.

As the date of the final presentation grows closer, I will continue preparing and stepping out of my comfort zone and into the spotlight. Hopefully, by the time May rolls around, I will have tamed my nerves become confident in giving presentations so I can deliver an impressive 30-minute final presentation.