The First Time

Akanksha glad I am the first here to give the feedback. Super post about first and I will come back later with my firsts. It was interesting to read your post as always and I am going to the finest forum to nominate

 

Dear Akanksha,

Knowing your planning, preparation, visualization of target audience, past experience, writing skill, passion for what you say, etc., I am pretty confident that you would do just fine in your presentation on Friday.

I had experienced stage fear once when I had to address 100 sales personnel and top executives of the company. To add to my confusion, everyone spoke longer than expected compressing my time to minimum before lunch. I started the talk with a joke about how hunger doesn't allow people to focus putting myself at ease and others. I stopped sharp at the lunch time only to be told by the sales personnel to continue until my presentation was over. Everyone of them stood up and clapped after I finished my presentation.

I am sure you have your own techniques but I would suggest the following techniques for your presentation:

1) Make sure you are at ease before your presentation and don't practice what you are going to say until the last minute. Your rehearsal should end the day before.

2) Make a joke right up front to relax yourself and relax everyone listening

3) Prior to the presentation, visualize the target audience clapping in appreciation of your presentation which increases your confidence level significantly

4) Take good notes of previous speakers, if there are any, and connect with them wherever possible

5) Appreciate the audience up front for their attentive skills making them commit their time to your presentation

6) Have as many colors and interesting pictures in each page of the presentation attracting people to be attentive

7) Phrase a lot of your statements in the form of questions which makes people to sit erect and listen carefully

8) Connect some of your presentation slides to practical things that happened in the company

9) Keep eye contact with the entire audience moving your eyes around to see each person. When questions are asked, address them looking directly into their eyes.

10) Move around, if possible, to make people understand that you are confident of your stuff.

Don't read stuff from your presentation and phrase them in your own sentence. Pause in between your presentation, whenever possible. Use body language as much as possible. Thank for the opportunity to present your ideas but welcome suggestions from the audience.

Viswa

 

Akanksha, good luck with your presentation on Friday. A little preparation ahead will go a long way. I try to live in the moment (most of the time) so less anticipation and less anxiety. My nervous first was driving and driving only. Apart from that I had tough time patting a dog for the first time one and only time. Now accidentally this video popped up on my FB Grow trees and not graves - https://www.facebook.com/DavidAvocadoWolfe/videos/10153329210086512/ - Don't know if its true or for fun!

 

Dear Akanksha,

On the question about death, I am not joking but truly I have no fear of death. I have faced near death situations at the age of 16, 30 & 43, I already consider my existence as bonus.

By nature, I am a very happy person with a great sense of fulfillment. I have a strong-minded son and a loving wife who are perfectly capable of running their life intelligently in my absence. I am determined not to feel dependent if someone where to look after me if I get incapacitated. I will assume I have earned their love by my past actions. But I will be grateful to them with a commitment to serve them well when I have the next opportunity. If I become brain dead, I have given instructions to both my wife and son to pull the plug without any hesitation.

Everyday, I don't expect anything from anyone nor I feel obligated to do so much. I just do what I feel right everyday. Everyday, I regret my mistakes and feel good about my good deeds. I have realized I have no control over anything except my own attitude towards life.

Viswa

 

Dear Akanksha,
Yes ,The first time is ever memorable-success or failure.The first failure teaches us a lot.
For students who always stand first, switch over to the next rank will be a great lesson humbling them.
The first miscarriage that puts an end to all the dreams,giving a warning signal about future pregnancies.

the first cancellation of the interview about which you had lot of hopes,
the first rejection by a girl or boy during marriage proposals,
the first cancellation of a railway/air trip '
Mistaking 0.30hrs flight to be the mid night flight of next day and the sense of embarassment when you look small in the eyes of others.;
the first appointment letter;
the first birth day greeting card;the first time when you see the new born son/daughter of your own,
the first time you are ridiculed of your senility;
the first time you are insulted by your own son or daughter;
the first death we face in our family;
the first severe illness affecting our near and dear ones,.............The list is endless.Whether success or failure it is a valuable experience that moulds our charater for betterment and refinement.
Thank you Akanksha

Wish you good luck and showers of accolades during your presentation.

Jayasala 42