Opting out of presentations

[JDRow]

Since people seemed pretty unanimously agreed about doing presentations, I was just wondering if there were circumstances when you would opt not to give one, or advise someone to opt out? Or do you think it's always better, no matter what the circumstances, to give a presentation?

I have to take a class that sometimes includes presentations this summer, and if that's the case, I'm planning on asking to be excused from it (the presentation, not the class). I think that the stress it would cause me for the entire semester would not be worth whatever benefit doing it could possibly have.

[happy7117]

I think opting out may build more fear, anxiety, and stress for the stuttering. But other reasons to opt out of a presentation may be:::

1) If one does not know enough about the subject matter to present it.

2) If an outisde conflict comes along, where one may has to postpone the presentation....

I said in another thread as well too, but I advise against opting out of a presentation....

"If you all run from something scary that comes along, you will all be running for the rest of your lives!"--- Quote is from Whoopi Goldberg in Sister Act 2

[jak]

well its up to you ! but in the working world you cant "op out" of things that require you to talk or else you just get fired for not doing your job .

[happy7117]

well its up to you ! but in the working world you cant "op out" of things that require you to talk or else you just get fired for not doing your job .


Very true. There are some things that we just can't get around to or avoid in life, and we just have to do them, and swallow it the best we can! What doesn't kill us makes us stronger!

[kilumanati]

I think it depends on the person and situation, personally i have done around 10 speeches (some in a group or individual) in a space of 3 years for uni, and for me it never got any easier - and like you JDrow i would be a nervous wreck for about 3 months before the speech, this semester (which is my last thank god) i had to do a speech and i opted to not do it, i thought that 3 months of uncontrallable anxiety is not worth it - i am only 22 and already having grey hair

I think it would depend on your course of study and profession, if you are trying to be a teacher or marketer etc, then obviously speaking is a regular part of any job - and the quicker you face facts the better, but in my case i am studying accounting, so i figure speeches is not going to a regular occurence

ultimately you have to use your own judgement, if its part of your profession and will help you face your fears of stuttering then "opting out" is probably not a good idea

[Standingtall]

I am sure you can get out of it, but won't you lose marks, if you are being marked on how you do your presentations. If you got out of it, the other students will want the same treatment. I prefer to be treated as normal as possible, not above or below anyone. If you were invited to make an presentation at a conference, workshop or seminar, you can get out of it pretty easily. Just my 2 cents.

[vdmm]

yes, just opt out. the stress is just not worth it :(
and when you have a really bad experience your self esteem is just crushed all over again and in my case my general stuttering does get worse from there on...

[dookers]

My thoughts are based on what I have done in my work life. As opposed to trying to avoid presentations, I have done the opposite. I have sought them out and asked to be put into situations where I do more presentations and in front of as many senior people as possible.

It is tough to do that and can be hard at first, but I've learnt the more I get put into those situations the more confident I feel as I grow more comfortable in that environment. At first, it is really tough and you wonder why you do that but over time my self-esteem has improved due to that exposure.