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Wondering if I’m capable

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I’ve been asked to present at a conference and as the time looms closer my foe – self doubt – is creeping in. I’m trying not to let it take over but it’s almost crippling me to the point of paralysis. I’m presenting on the importance of effective information architecture and I don’t want to regurgitate the mountain of information that’s already out there.

Even though I’ve nearly reached the point of paralysis about what to say, I have started putting notes together. Finding examples takes lots time so if anyone knows of any websites that present their information extremely well, or not, please let me know. As it is I will be finalising this presentation during my holidays which is not what I had planned.

Then of course there’s the delivery of the presentation. I have presented before, but don’t do it very often and haven’t done it for ages. I would rather get up and sing them a song than present to them. Having said that, I used to be scared of doing that but because I’ve done it a few times I’m not so scared now. Again, any tips here would be good.

In the meantime I’m well into my secondment at work and crossing my fingers that everything will work out okay there too.

All I can say is be careful what you wish for. If I remember rightly I was saying a few months ago that I was ready for a change. Now changes have been thrust upon me and it’s kind of overwhelming.

I’m hoping I will look back upon this time and think that I freaked out over nothing.

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Comments

  1. You’ve probably heard the old saying….”Change is good.” Noone said it isn’t scary…but it often IS good Jen. This is a time of growth for you in several areas. I know you’ll do beautifully; and when you’ve accomplished it…you’ll feel SO good about yourself sweetie….and it will make you stronger and more confident about what you are capable of. I’m so proud of you.

  2. I am so looking forward to that moment, also Jen.

    You will do great, girl. I have confidence for you, and will send it cyber-express. Just think about what YOU would want to hear and try not to freak yourself out too much. I know its easier said than done, but you do it here and you do it well.

  3. Hey Jen – all the best with this – it’s great that you’ve challenged yourself!

    My thoughts on what makes a good presentation are here:

    http://www.milesburke.com.au/blog/2007/12/11/presentation-tips-ii-interview-with-maxine-sherrin/

    And if you haven’t already, check out Presentation Zen for some inspiration.

    http://www.presentationzen.com/

    And then I see, Miles has a whole bunch of stuff linked here:

    http://www.milesburke.com.au/blog/2007/12/05/public-speaking-tips-and-templates/

    All the best!

  4. I’m a big believer of the law of attraction and you provide another example of how you often do get what you want…even if its not exactly when you are ready for it. But obviously you know your stuff so after a few minutes autopilot will kick in and you’ll be doing your thing!