My First Time (In a Long Time) Doing a Public Presentation, and What I Learned From It

About 2 to 3 months ago; there was an opportunity to participate in a public speaking role. I had asked to fulfill a role; not knowing how I would do. After it was over, I was told, “Awesome job”, “You did great”; I gave my thanks, and breathe a sigh of relief. For an introvert like myself; this was a huge hurdle that I had to overcome, as just the thought of public speaking to a sizable audience already made me nervous, but I knew I had to do this to move forward.

But what I wanted to share; was the behind-the-scenes, and what went through my head and my experience in the months leading up to, and the actual day that I had to fulfill my duty and obligation to deliver a presentation.

*The reason “long time” is in the title was that it is technically not my first time giving a presentation. I remembered giving a story-telling contest when I was in elementary school; that was my first time, and trust me, it did not go well. I didn’t practice like I should have, I had such stage fright; that it pretty much traumatized me for a VERY long time.*

When I looked over the slides and the information on there that I had to convey; I knew what was on there, but I needed help to bridge it all together to make it a fluid, well flowing presentation. I was lucky that I had a group of people to coach/help me through every single part. I had wanted to make sure that it was near or almost perfect upon delivery, and within a specified time.

Turning back the clock to a month before giving the presentation; I got a run through of what was each slide was about and the meaning behind them. But I had wanted to know the reason why certain things needed to be said for each individual part, because I didn’t understand the logic of it. Knowing the reason and meaning behind why these certain things needed to be said helped me piece each part together; so that it flowed smoothly,  and not jump around. And I also did not want to read the slides while presenting (a pet peeve of mine).

I started to go over each slide, and what I wanted to say for each part. I had wrote down on paper; what I wanted to say on each slide, word for word. Of course; I messed up when trying from start to finish, never really making it to the end. I stopped and corrected myself, then started over. Then it happened again at another part, and then another part, and more times (even also practicing while I’m showering).

As one might imagine; delivering the presentation at the level of expectation I wanted (especially since it was to be held at the beginning of 2020; go figure) was the only thing on my mind the entire time. I’m not sure if this was an obsession at a healthy or unhealthy level, but it pretty much consumed most of my days leading up to that fateful day. This caused my anxiety and stress levels to go up (on top of being an introvert; who struggles talking to strangers). The anxiety of being in front of group of people talking for about 15 minutes, and the stress of having to give the presentation and getting through each slide that I had without messing up and not nervous. (Such pressure!) I just remember that not a lot of things that I wanted or expected were not going the way I thought it would go.

As the closing weeks turning into the fast-approaching days; I had a few run-through’s to get my tone, my expression, and what I had to say correctly, for the most part I got the content part down. I just needed to adjust a few minor details in what and how I said certain things in order to finish strong.

Finally, the day of the presentation came. I showed up early to get myself settled in, and go over the final details of what I was doing. Then, I was listening to music to try to pump myself up, and raise my energy level as high as I could before going out there.

I pretty much kept myself hidden (read: in the back, multiple trips to the bathroom, etc.) in the hour prior.

Then, it was my turn to give the presentation. I remembered stumbling for the first 2 minutes or so; but after that, I don’t remember what happened the rest of the time, as I felt I was on auto-pilot mode. I went through each slide, and said what I had to say to convey and engage them, at the same time. I suppose that takes some more practice; as expecting a certain kind of reaction is a hit or miss for me.

After I finished my part; I went towards the back to the outside, and breathe a sigh of relief: it was finally over. I only remember the adrenaline wearing off.

With that, I wanted to share what I learned from this whole thing:

I hope this gives everyone a glimpse into a day in the Life and Times of the Eric Fong (yes, my blog’s name is going in here) while preparing for this presentation. This is not really meant to discourage or impress anyone, but wanted to share what struggles that I had to overcome to move forward. I am glad that I had this experience.

I’ll end this with the same opening line I used that fateful day;

“I’m grateful for the opportunity, and it’s my honor and pleasure” to share with everyone my experience.

Thanks much for reading!

-The Eric Fong