Tuesday, September 1, 2009

scared witless

I have to give a paper at a conference in a couple of weeks.

I still have to write the presentation.

I still have to coordinate with the other two people (I have never met) on the panel we will do after.

I have never done this before.

I am too scared to even think about it.

I have given presentations and lots of community events and that was OK.

But this is different.

There is an expectation that I will be entertaining and also tell people something they don't already know.

What if they already know it all?

It is about this.


(that's me with the Chief Minister of the ACT and the Federal Minister for Infrastructure Anthony Albanese showing them what we are building - like the hard hat?)

This is my baby. I have lived and breathed it for months, amongst managing another dozen or so projects about the place.

Specifically my presentation is about blogging and community engagement.

and I have to leave the pirate behind for 4 days to fly to Darwin to do it.

What was I thinking?

9 comments:

twitchy fingers said...

I feel your pain. I did the same recently and the best advice I can give is just be yourself. You are funny and clever and obviously know your sh*t and that will come through in what you present as long as you don't try to be something or someone you're not. You'll rock their socks!

Sarah said...

Deep breaths! You've got time to write a wonderful presentation that will do you proud.

And catching up with your last couple of posts I love your boring brown Amelia, she looks very lovely and very useful even if she isn't setting your world on fire and thanks for the introduction to Gal.

Rose Red said...

You can do it! Off the top of your head I reckon!

Emma said...

It does sound very daunting, but I think you'll do a great job. You know the topic inside out, and your perspective will make it interesting.

I have been working on a project for a couple of months, and today I went to a seminar on it. The presenter mentioned a lot of things that I already knew about, but put them in a way I hadn't thought of before. Hearing that info processed another way, from another person's perspective, made it interesting to me.

You will do fabulously, I am sure.

Anonymous said...

You'll be fine.

You've been so immersed in this project, you'll find that people will pick up on your enthusiasm. Don't think of it as a conference, they are just another community group. Be sincere, and have fun, and everything will roll together nicely.

It sounds terrifying, I know, but once you get going, it's quite a bit of fun. Breathe, relax, and enjoy. Your audience will enjoy it too.

*hugs*
Good luck!

Michelle said...

My greatest fear is speaking in public, so I know where you are coming from. But everyone is right - you know your project so well, you talk can be nothing if not charming, friendly, knowledgable and very YOU.

Leonie said...

Congratulations on being able to spread the word! While terrifying, the success of it will be beyond satisfying. When you know your stuff, talking about it is easy and well worth it. Go for it!

Jodie said...

Oh Honey - you are going to be fine.
No amount of technical bits and pieces or facts can make up for enthusiasm and passion. You love this project and you will be great.

DrK said...

you are thinking how clever and talented you are and how much people are going to love your presentation, because you love your project. arent you?! i wish you lots of luck with it though im sure you dont need it.