14 Thoughts I Had While Presenting to a Room Full of Teenagers

Today, my coworker (and fellow cheese-appreciater) and I gave a career presentation to a couple of high school classes. We discussed the education and work experiences we underwent in order to became counselors, as well as what our jobs look like on a day-to-day basis.

It was pretty fun, actually. But there’s a reason I didn’t seek a career where public speaking is more common.

I get nervous, and then distracted by my own nervousness, and then my brain sort of implodes.  Here are some of the things I was thinking about while speaking to the students:

1. Literally every kid in here is wearing a t-shirt and comfy pants. I never thought I’d feel so overdressed in jeans. Should I take my pants off to fit in? No, pantslessness in front of minors is probably frowned upon.

2. What – what is that girl eating? IS SHE EATING PANCAKES? With Nutella on them?!? What kind of magical-ass school is this?

3. Can I go to school here?

4. I think I’m using my arms and hands way too much. I’m like an over-caffeinated octopus over here.

5. Alright, my hands are down now. Wait, no pockets! Where do I put my hands?

6. I wonder if the students are thinking that my hair looks like a sea anemone today. They’re not wrong, but I still hope they’re not thinking about it.

7. I just mispronounced a word. Should I correct myself, or keep going? Nah, just keep going, keep going – you’re doing great! Aw shit, you just did it again.

8. Man, the English language is HARD. How do make sentence?

9. Oh cool, my coworker and I are both nervously swaying at the same time, in the same direction. I’m sure that doesn’t look crazy at all.

10. I wonder if other people find it this hard to act like a normal person. I think I’ve used up all my social skills for the day.

11. Crap, my hands have crept their way into the conversation again. Sneaky hands.

12. I hope someone asks about my hobbies, so that I have an excuse to tell them about my cheese blog.

13. Okay, please don’t leave me standing here in awkward silence. Ask SOMETHING!

14. Oh god, don’t ask THAT. Anything but that.

 

This was one of those experiences that I genuinely enjoyed, and yet am relieved is over. Does anybody else struggle a bit (or a lot) with public speaking? What strategies do you employ for making yourself more comfortable?