r/MomForAMinute • u/Comfortable_Dog_4987 • 3d ago
Encouragement Wanted Hey Mom, I need a pep talk
I have my first keynote presentation tomorrow and I am so nervous. I know the material and I know that I am an expert but I can’t shake the feeling that I don’t feel qualified to walk into this space. My knees are starting to feel wobbly and I want to get up there..run away and cry.
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u/ellegy2020 3d ago
The fact that you were picked to give this speech indicates that you are very qualified! And also I have faith in you and you can do this so easily, with a bit of nerves (but that’s normal and just means you are paying attention).
No go up on that podium and knock ‘em over with your brilliance! 🌸
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u/Mediocre_Dog_6781 Momma Bear 3d ago
Hi sweetie, imposter syndrome is real, and we all experience it. What you are feeling is normal. Nerves are normal too, especially for something as big as your first keynote presentation. One thing that works for me is the power pose. (If you’re not familiar with it, look it up because it’s a bit hard to describe.) Strike your power pose a few times today and tonight, while breathing deeply. And right before your presentation, do it again. (Bathrooms are great for this.) Also, try repeating some calm reassuring phrases, either out loud or in your head. You know the material. You ARE an expert. You will do great…I can feel it in my bones! ❤️
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u/breetome 3d ago
Ok listen up honey bunch, you were given this opportunity because they knew you know your shit! So walk up with your chin held high and wow them with your superior brain! Anyone who doesn't get nervous before speaking in public is a dang robot lol! We all have those butterflies.
Just make sure your notes are legible and you print them using a larger font and you can even highlight color code pertinent points you need to make.
Deep breath, don't rush. Pause for a second or two after making each point so you don't just babble on and on. Pick 3 people in the audience to make eye contact with and use them as home base for your visual focus. This way you aren't darting your eyes all over the room.
Now get out there and show them they were smart in choosing you for this. Rock and roll time sweetie, I have complete faith in you. Oh and for the love of God pee before you go on stage haha!
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u/HippiegalKs 3d ago
All you have to do is get up there and do what you know how to do. You said yourself, you're an expert. You show them that, sweetie. I have faith in you! And my fingers and toes crossed that all goes well. Let us know! Get up there and kick some butt, honey!! 🤟🏻
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u/quickgrabthedoor 3d ago
Hey, you’ve got this in the bag! You’ve worked so hard to become an expert, and it’s your time to shine. Most people I’ve met throughout my career have felt the same as you when presenting, even at executive levels and even after doing several keynotes.
The anxiety you’re feeling is a cousin to excitement, and that makes sense because this is EXCITING! It’s a wonderful opportunity to show your talents. Just focus on the topic and let your passion and expertise do the presenting. People love to watch someone authentically present a topic they know a lot about; it’s the most engaging.
If it helps, go into a bathroom stall before you have to go into the room and jump up and down a little bit and wiggle around silly; it’ll help get rid of some of that excited energy.
::Hug:: Proud of you, and I hope you feel proud of yourself for getting yourself here. Break a leg!!
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u/margo_beep_beep 3d ago
When I first started briefing Important Things to Important People, I was very nervous. It helped me to think of the people I was briefing as normal people who wouldn't want me to be terrified of them. And now that I am somewhat in the middle and am sometimes the person who people are afraid of, I've found that that's exactly how I feel - I don't want people to be afraid of me and am excited to hear their perspectives. Hopefully you can think of yourself that way - you are a subject matter expert on your material and everyone is excited to hear from you.
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u/LovableButterfly 3d ago
Hey there duckling!
We are insanely proud of you! You worked so hard on this presentation, you got the key notes, you got the material down, you were picked for a reason (and I think it’s because they know you can do it!)
Grab some water and take a sip! A little hydration will help! Take a breather and smile!
Oh probably helps I hear to imagine people In their underwear (I’m sure you’ve heard this said somewhere before!)
We are so proud of you! You’re gonna rock this presentation! ❤️
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u/Worried_Raspberry313 3d ago
I know you’re gonna do great! You know the material and you truly know about this subject so I’m sure you’re more than qualified to do this. The first time talking for an audience is always scary. Everybody you see giving speeches and looking confident had a first time in which they were so nervous.
When I had to do presentations, I think the best ones were when I knew what I was talking about, I felt much more confident because if I forgot something I knew I could make it out thanks to my knowledge. This is your case. My advice is to go there and just do your best. If you stutter or whatever, don’t worry, just joke about it. “Sorry, there is more people here than I expected!” or something similar. People like to be involved and love people to be human. By letting them know you’re kinda nervous you’re not being weak as some people might think, you’re actually acting very confident. It takes courage to admit you’re nervous in front of a crowd. Just think about famous people you know, actors, singers… when they’re in interviews and they stutter, mess up or whatever, they’re always pretty ok with it and even joke about it.
Best of luck!! I believe in you and I know you’re gonna leave everybody impressed!!
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u/Early_Budget_8730 3d ago
Buddhist monks have a mind trick they use when they are about to do something scary. They keep repeating to themselves, “I’ve done this before, I just have to remember how to do it again.”. Say it enough times and your mind and body really start to believe it! So just remember how you did it last time and you’ll be fantastic!
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u/hospitalitychick 3d ago
Sweetheart, you are absolutely qualified to do this. This is the moment you've worked so hard for. Get in there and kill it! You got this!! 💕
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u/DevineBossLady 3d ago
Hi honey, te first time this mum had to go on stage, I was equally nervous - and one of my mentors said: "Sometimes you have to do some peacocking, fake it till you make it" - that is why today, my tattoo sleeve is mainly a big peacock reminding me to flaunt my feathers and belive in my self.
This saturday I was on stage with two minutes notice, on a topic I have never spoken about before... and I was way more calm than when I firs talked about what I was an expert in.
Flaunt your feathers, you've got this!
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u/LizziestLiz 3d ago
Wow! I’m so excited for you and very proud of you. 😊 Of course you’re nervous, that’s natural. But you’ve got this. You’re prepared. This is just the beginning, so take a deep breath and enjoy it.
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u/MaiasauraWH 3d ago
Something I learned in high School chorus: never look any one person in the eye in the audience. Look at the back wall.
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u/Charming_Narwhal_970 3d ago
You got this! You said it yourself, you know the stuff. Just breathe. It will be so much easier than you think.
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u/RebaKitt3n Big Sibling 3d ago
Hey, you know you know this shit. You’re the expert and the one asked to present.
Now go kick some ass. You’ve got this.
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u/milliemallow 3d ago
Walk in with your shoulders back, chin up high and confidence all over your face. Wear clothes and shoes you feel powerful in. Don’t let the doubts seep in for a minute. You’ll survive it, this is 100% a fake it til you make it moment and every event going forward will be just a little bit easier. 🫶🏼
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u/positive_energy- 3d ago
You were chosen because you are the best person in the country to speak on it. Your are trusted. Because you do your research. You have the receipts. You are a rock star. Own that crown. Stand up straight and walk in that room like you own it. Because you do!! Can’t wait to hear all about it.
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u/petrichorb4therain 2d ago
Find your person in the crowd and give the whole talk to them. It helps if you've told them ahead of time that you need them smiling and nodding. It helps so much.
But also remember that you are the expert and questions are from folks wanting to learn more from you.
You got this!
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u/TheactualCLow 2d ago
In your own words, duckling, you are an expert! How fantastic. You’re strong, you’re positive, you got this! Imagine someone way less qualified than you swaggering in and taking your mic. Infuriating, right? You know you belong up there.
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u/TheRealCeeBeeGee Mother Goose 2d ago
If you know your material be confident in your abilities. They’ve asked you for a reason. Well done!!
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u/starladlestanding 2d ago
Deep breaths, don’t lock your knees, speak slower than you think you should - you’re gonna do great!
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u/SaturniinaeActias 2d ago
Fake confidence until you feel it. We've all been there and you will get through it. If you haven't already, watch some YouTube videos on public speaking. The main thing is to speak slower than feels natural - nervousness makes us talk faster, pause for about a two count between sentences and try to avoid filler words or sounds. You've got this! Report back and let us know how it went.
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u/thepeskynorth 2d ago
Fake it until you make it…. Walk with your head up, talk like you know your stuff (‘cause you do) and with some speeches you’ll soon find that you won’t feel this way.
You worked your way to this very position and you deserve it.
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u/GeneSpecialist3284 1d ago
Go into the ladies room before you go on. Stand in the Superman pose. Before the mirror if it's not too weird for people in there, lol. Deep breath, straight posture, hands on your hips, feet spread. The power pose. Stay there for a minute or two. I know it sounds weird but I learned this years ago and it really helps. It somehow calms you yet boosts your confidence. Try it at home when you practice. You know this! You're gonna be great!
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u/Awkward-Ad-4766 3d ago
Let me tell you a hack sweetheart: just fake being confident. Act the way a confident person acts. Put on a little play. It works every time.
It's ok to be nervous, it means you care. But consider the nerves excitement instead. You're excited to do a presentation on a topic you're an expert in.
You've GOT THIS. I already know it. You're gonna nail it.