I have two more weeks of my business communications class. Due to reasons beyond my control I am only taking one class this semester and it happens to be the focused on the area of business that I am least comfortable with, presentations.
The one positive aspect of the class is that there is no final exam. For many that means no sleepless nights staying up late to study. No cramming in as much information as humanly possible at the last minute. Sadly for myself this means sleepless nights worrying about the presentation and waiting until the very last minute to write a management report draft, create a presentation outline and make a PowerPoint. At least the subject of my presentation is my idol, Mr. Buffett (Warren, not Jimmy).
Would you rather take an exam? Or create a five minute presentation?
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Oh, I would much rather have the exam. I can work my way through that and generally do pretty well. I hate presentations, mainly because I am not a fan of public speaking. Thanks for the mention!
John S @ Frugal Rules recently posted..Frugal Friday: Posts That Ruled This Week, Christmas is in Two Weeks Edition!
I’m with you John. I hate public speaking my jaw seems to lock up and it’s no fun.
Have a good weekend! I would rather create a 5 minute presentation =)
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Thanks, you too Holly.
Really appreciate you linking to my sinus surgery post! I spent a lot of time on it and I hope it’s useful for people in similar situations, as well as for people who are debating whether to get health insurance or not.
I would MUCH rather have a final exam. I am an introvert and I like logic and explaining myself in written word. speeches and presentations are not my strengths, and I recognize that. I am usually happy just giving an “okay” presentation.
DC @ Young Adult Money recently posted..Will Young Adults opt-out of Health Insurance? Economics Lessons from Health Care Reform
I’m the same way DC. Your post was really good. I’m a huge advocate for having everyone get health insurance. There’s no reason not to have it other than the expense.
Thanks for the links, I am in good company.
krantcents recently posted..Nearly Half of all Americans Die Broke in Retirement!
I really enjoyed your post. I’m just sad that I haven’t found your site sooner. Looking forward to reading more of your posts in the future.
Totally, completely depends on the topic of the presentation! Mostly, “how likely am I to be asked questions I don’t know the answers to!?”
A five minute presentation sounds pretty good. It was the 40 min ones that I didn’t usually care to do.
Anne @ Unique Gifter recently posted..Stupid Stuff on Amazon
It’s not so much the presentation, but the build up to actually doing it. I’m always last and my professor doesn’t pick people. We just go up there which means I have a long wait.
I will always chose a presentation or project over an exam. I seem to get this panic and forget things before an exam. I would much rather show what I know another way.
Miss T @ Prairie Eco-Thrifter recently posted..Saving Your Pennies For A Rainy Day
Miss T I’m the opposite. Give me a test anytime over a presentation. At least I’ll have a powerpoint to draw the attention away from me.
Thanks for adding me to your link love part. I appreciate it Justin. I hope you have a good day and weekend!
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You too Grayson.
I feel your pain. Having given a ton of presentations to get my MBA recently, I can say that they do get easier the more you do. I was terrified at first but by the end of the program I didn’t break a sweet. A shot of whiskey helps too!
Kyle @ Rather-Be-Shopping.com recently posted..My Best Frugal Move of the Year
A shot of whiskey at 9:00 am may not be the best idea, but you’re right about speeches becoming easier. Thankfully this will be the last one for the class. So I if I can make i through until tomorrow I’ll be okay.
I feel your pain man, school can be rough. I start my closure for my M.A. next semester and cannot wait for it to be over. I too am probably better at taking tests than presentations but I would just try to look at your situation as a way to do something out of your comfort zone.
One tip: if you can get a laugh, do it. It breaks the ice and makes everyone more comfortable. On Tuesday night a guy in our class was giving a presentation on a Congressman. He showed a video of a debate and both individuals in the debate were really bad, basically just not ready for t.v. and kinda looked unprofessional. Now this guy is pretty smart but not a great presenter. After he showed the clip he said, “This guy debates like I present.” I thought that was hilarious and so did everyone in the room, in turn it made him feel more comfortable and his presentation sounded much more natural after that.
Ian recently posted..Apocalypse Survival: 5 Pros And 5 Cons To Being Frugal During An Apocalypse
Yeah making people laugh can definitely ease the tension. During the first speech for this class I did just that and it made me feel a lot more comfortable.
I would rather present. Public speaking used to terrify me…and then during my last job, I was required to give an introductory presentation to roomfuls of high school students, multiple times a day! Nipped my fear in the bud. Good luck with your Powerpoint. Any time I feel panicky or feel anxiety choking me, long deep breaths beforehand help me visibly to relax!
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Yes taking time to breath can definitely calm me down. I actually speak in front of large groups of about 10-30 people on a daily basis at work, but it’s in a completely different setting. There’s something about being in front of a class that just freaks me out.
OH, I remember those feelings all too well going to school. Now, I can’t say either bother me much. Exam or presentation, either one I’m up for
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