Ever skip work over having to do something you didnt want to?

needhelpguy

I've got to do a presentation on Tuesday in front of my work group and our new manager and there is no way I am doing it. I will get the "day off" if you know what I mean. I cant do presentations - that is one thing I absolutely wont compromise on. Hopefully they wont come after me the next day. If they do I am tempted to quit and walk out on the spot, although after two years full time, that would have undesirable consequences.

Anyone else ever been in my position and done the same?

damnyanks

seriously?

drunkmonkey

needhelpguy wrote: »

I cant do presentations

have some confidence in yourself, keep the audience alert, be funny but serious, repeat important points, pratice with a friend...Stick with the facts, don't start adding in your own bits and pieces because you think there relevant or need to be mentoned....

what kind of presentation is it, sales, marketing, health & saftey, monthly report........

Watch these 2 films before the presentation...

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0181984/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104348/

Don't be afraid and stop acting like school kid, walk out with your big shiny balls in your hand and knock them dead....

uberwolf

this is an opportunity to really impress your new manager. It may not come around again.

Write and practise the presentation.

briano

The sad truth of the matter is that presentations are one of the most used tools in business. I think for most business-y and technical type jobs you need to get profficient at them as your career progresses, or you will start to get passed over for things by other people who don't have a problem standing up in front of colleagues and talking, which is all a presentation is when you look at it.

When I started my job one of the first things I had to do was a presentation in a lecture hall to ~40 people on a subject that I wasn't comfortable with at all.

I stood up on the podium at the top of the room while I was being introduced and just remember thinking "I could walk out of here now and just go. It'd be five minutes before anyone realised I wasn't coming back by which time I'd be long gone..."

Long story short, I just sucked it up and since then haven't had trouble doing presentations. They just get easier and easier, but you need to do the first one!

Also, nobody there wants to see you do badly. Plus, if you make a joke in front of a group of people, they tend to go down better then one to one and can settle you into the job ahead.

Edit: Also; Principles are great and all, but absolutely refusing to compromise on doing presentations? I'm all for taking a stand and sticking it to the man etc, but pick something better than presentations to rebel against.

needhelpguy

I don't think you understand. There is no way I am doing any presentations, ever. It's like a phobia - no amount of advice or encouragement will make any difference. Just try getting a claustrophobic into a lift or an arachnaphobic to touch a spider. It simply isnt going to happen.

I just want to know if anyone else has been in this position before?

briano

Ok, In that case, Have you spoken to your manager? Explain to her/him that you can't do presentations instead of skipping work. I'd assume they need someone to do the presentation, so the more time you give for a replacement to be found the better, rather than leaving them hanging on the day when you pull a sickie

Xcellor

needhelpguy wrote: »

I don't think you understand. There is no way I am doing any presentations, ever. It's like a phobia - no amount of advice or encouragement will make any difference. Just try getting a claustrophobic into a lift or an arachnaphobic to touch a spider. It simply isnt going to happen.

I just want to know if anyone else has been in this position before?

I wonder how you managed to get the job in the first place. An interview is a presentation albeit normally without powerpoint (however saying that my wife has on occasions had to prepare powerpoint slides for interviews).

Presentations are really not as bad as they seem. Once you have some notes and you know your material. To quit this job or even miss the day because of this is excessive...

I don't think anyone can say they don't get scared/nervous before a presentation especially when there are "senior" people there but your ability to communicate and express ideas under pressure is critical to your advancement within the workplace. As said before... this is an opportunity to impress your manager so you should jump on it.

watna

I understand that you can't do presentations (I mod the phobias forum after all!) which is obviously personal to you.

However, if you can't do presentations why are you doing a job where they may be required? Why weren't you open with management from the start? Why have they only asked you to do one after working there for two years?

I'm completely freaked out by tomatoes. I can't touch them, or eat food that has touched one. They are simply evil and should be banned. I'd never get a job in a sandwich bar or something like that cos I know I'd have to touch tomatoes and I can't.

If I were you I'd discuss it with my manager.

"skipping work" is childish and unprofessional. If it's a real fear have the guts to say that it is instead of burying your head in the sand. Perhaps work will help out with gettig you over your fear? You never know.

drunkmonkey

needhelpguy wrote: »

I don't think you understand. There is no way I am doing any presentations, ever. It's like a phobia - no amount of advice or encouragement will make any difference. Just try getting a claustrophobic into a lift or an arachnaphobic to touch a spider. It simply isnt going to happen.

I just want to know if anyone else has been in this position before?

What are you afraid of? You've probably given loads of presentations before and never even realised it.....did you ever stand in front of another person and feel confident in what you were talking about, that's a presentation...

Xcellor

watna wrote: »

I'm completely freaked out by tomatoes. I can't touch them, or eat food that has touched one. They are simply evil and should be banned. I'd never get a job in a sandwich bar or something like that cos I know I'd have to touch tomatoes and I can't.

Slightly off topic...

That's weird. Specifically what is it about tomatoes that gives you this fear. Did you choke on one when you were a kid or something.

drunkmonkey

watna wrote: »

I'm completely freaked out by tomatoes

+1

I've never tried soup or stew they freak me out, I go a bit mental when I see runnie food, I throw up the minute I smell it, not a fan of tomatoes either...

Do the presentation, you'll be a better man when it's over , worst case scenario you won't get asked to do another one......

watna

Xcellor wrote: »

Slightly off topic...

That's weird. Specifically what is it about tomatoes that gives you this fear. Did you choke on one when you were a kid or something.

You have to visit the phobias forum to find out that kind of thing!

Slightly more on-topic. I love to cook and toyed with going in to that area for work. However, I could never cook with tomatoes - and even if I could make myself I'd feel horrible so it wouldn't be worth it. As I said to the OP, I know I feel this way so I won't put myself in a position where I'll have to deal with it. Why has the OP got in to this situation after two years working there?

drunkmonkey

watna wrote: »

Why has the OP got in to this situation after two years working there?

Because the new boss likes him and probably feels it would be good and would help progress his career, the boss is new so he's probably looking for a good wing man that's been in the company a while...OP do the presentation and stop acting like a 10year old...

PurpleBerry

I have certainly been tempted to!

But that would be incredibly transparent. If your manager has any idea that you aren't happy with doing the presentation and then you become mysteriously struck down with a "24 hour bug" then you will have to face a lot of questions when you do show your face again.

There have been times when I have had to do things that are in no way part of my job description and of course I have thought "Well, screw you, I won't come in at all and you'll have to do it all without me bwa ha ha!" but I've always gone in and it's never been as bad as I'd thought. Bottom line; it's just not worth it.

Zamboni

needhelpguy wrote: »

I don't think you understand. There is no way I am doing any presentations, ever. It's like a phobia - no amount of advice or encouragement will make any difference. Just try getting a claustrophobic into a lift or an arachnaphobic to touch a spider. It simply isnt going to happen.

I just want to know if anyone else has been in this position before?

Hey mate I feel your pain.
I used to be petrified doing presentations. Still am a little bit tbh.
I literally sweat buckets!
The only way to get over the phobia is to do as many as you can until its second nature.
The other thing to remember is that nobody is really paying the slightest bit of attention anyway:o

mikewest

OP Talk to your manager and explain that you have always had a problem with presentations / public speaking but in recent years it has been getting worse to the point that you can't do it at all now. Say that you will prepare the presentation if someone else stands up and gives the presentation and you will try to help with answering questions as long as you are not up on the podium. I presume you attend meetings and answer questions in a group situation.

For gods sake don't bunk off work because of this because it will raise the anxiety level for the next time something similar happens.

The other thing to remember is that nobody is really paying the slightest bit of attention anyway

So true;)

quantumpet

Hi needhelpguy,

I totally agree with Mikewest that you should explain to your manager that you are uncomfortable being the presenter but will gladly do all the background work such as the powerpoint presentation, collection of data etc.

I completely understand by the way, I recently was in the exact same situation. I weighed up the odds of which was worse for my career not doing the presentation, or doing the presentation and having a full blown panic attack in front of everyone. Needless to say I didnt do the presentation, but I did all the background work!!! Saying that, I felt very low about myself when I saw someone else get all the accolade and "plaudits" (hate that word!) for a 10 minute speech literally reading out all my hard work...
But Id still do the same, I have a complete phobia about presentations!!

Climate Expert

If I was your boss I would fire you. You're not cut out for the line of work you are in.

I'd suggest you change your career.

How Strange

OP, it's not your fear of public speaking which is the problem but your immature, cowardly attitude to dealing with it which will quite rightly bite you on the ass.

How much credibility do you think you'll have when your manager and others realise that you're too immature to confront a problem and find a solution and instead would rather hide at home for the day?

If you've any aspirations of having a career in management you'd better grow a pair and address the problem.

I used to be terrified of public speaking. I'd shake all over, lose my voice, stand there like a fool, go red in the face, get such palpatations that I'd be convinced I was having a heart attack (in my early 20's!).

What changed? I started getting used to it very very gradually. I still get very nervous but I've learned to deal with the panic and keep it under control.
There are so many ways to combat your phobia - coaching etc that it can be at the very least managed.

However, you seem to prefer act like a 5 year old who throws a tantrum and refuses point blank to do what they're asked and want us to say 'that's ok, I'd do the very same thing'. Part of progressing your career or your life in general is pushing yourself outside the boundaries of your comfort zone.

Miss Fluff

What is the presentation on? Is it on a subject you know and are comfortable with?

You seriously need to address this with your manager today. If they are sympathetic they will help you. I think it would be a terrible shame to quit your job on the foot of something like this OP.

quantumpet

Anyway, clearly people will not always empathise or understand anothers phobia.
Just as you and I mightn't understand why a person just simply wont get on a plane and fly. You wont get fired for not doing the presentation but DO turn up for work Tuesday. Try not to think about it too much. Have a good weekend and let us know how you get on...

Also, from reading some of the other ClimateExperts posts; if he was my boss I would WANT to be fired by him, actually I doubt he is a senior !!

tobiesheba

When it comes to presentations it's definitely a case of the more you do the better you get.

I used to hate them, would feel physically sick, start sweating, get all choked up - the works. But then I got a job where I had no choice but two things that helped me get through the first couple were making sure that I knew what I was talking about inside out. You really need to be comfortable with the subject and know it well in order to be able to relax.

Secondly I saw once somewhere that nerves only ensure that you perform better but I'd always tell myself that before I began, take a deep breath and go for it.

Also don't know how you'd feel about this but some people used to suggest telling your audience that it's the first presentation you've given. The idea behind this is that everybody has been in the same situation and understand it to a certain extent. You wouldn't be my top choice of how to tell with it but...

Also do the presentation, you'll be on a real high afterwards. It's a great feeling trust me.

Best of luck.

Dundhoone

Ask your boss can you do something more informal.

Prepare the powerpoint slides - print them out and hand them out.

Dont do the stand up thing, sit down and just read through a summary of what you are to present. Focus on the one person across the table and read it out to them.

When you have done that a few times you will grow out of your phobia.

The worst thing you could do is bottle it, not being able to present in some format will mean zero progression up the ladder.

Firetrap

OP, you're going to have to face this phobia sometime. Yes, they're not nice to do but you can't run away forever.

I've given a couple of presentations. Luckily they're not part of my job but I've been called on to give them. The secret is to have notes. If you put in the effort beforehand and make up the slides and have good notes, you'll be fine. Don't make the mistake of writing up the entire thing word for word and just reading from the notes. And if you keep it short, the agony won't be prolonged for anyone.

AARRRGH

Talk to your manager about it. If you don't want to do that, talk to your colleagues about it and get one of them to do the presentation for you.

I understand how you feel (I have a phobia of flying) but instead of running away find another solution. There is definitely a compromise.

briano

How did it go? Do the presentation in the end?

needhelpguy

I took the day off. It was grand really, it wasn't a big presentation, everyone had to do it, but I'm far too shy and deffo not a public speaker. It is a weight lifted off my shoulders now.

This is not a career job just something to keep me going, so I'm not concerned about what my manager might think. Anyway thanks for the replies!

Xcellor

needhelpguy wrote: »

I took the day off. It was grand really, it wasn't a big presentation, everyone had to do it, but I'm far too shy and deffo not a public speaker. It is a weight lifted off my shoulders now.

This is not a career job just something to keep me going, so I'm not concerned about what my manager might think. Anyway thanks for the replies!

Eventually you will need to grow some cojones if you want to survive in this world. You've only delayed what will some day come and bite you in the ass. If it wasn't "a big presentation" then it was an ideal opportunity for you to move outside your comfort zone without being thrown in the deep end.

I would be concerned about what the manager thinks, this might be the only job you will ever have!! Interviews are the same as presentations, I can't see too many places hiring you if you can't explain why they should.... :rolleyes:

death1234567

I think everyone is missing the point, "Weasling out of things is important to learn. Its what separates us from the animals....'cept the weasel." H. Simpson.

Climate Expert

needhelpguy wrote: »

I took the day off. It was grand really, it wasn't a big presentation, everyone had to do it, but I'm far too shy and deffo not a public speaker. It is a weight lifted off my shoulders now.

This is not a career job just something to keep me going, so I'm not concerned about what my manager might think. Anyway thanks for the replies!

How can you have any self respect?
You could have come away with a strong sense of achievement and pride for going through with it. But instead you are left with comfortable mediocrity.

Life is full of scary challenges where you jsut have to go for it. Asking out that girl you like, standing up for yourself, public speaking. In each case you generally don't have much to lose and a lot more to gain.

kayos

If you have a fear of public speaking then I can not recommend something like speech and drama enough. Go find an Irish or London College of Music accredited teacher and start taking classes. If you have an interest in lit then it’s a double win, unless you make the mistake of doing the complete works of Jane Austin for your dip holy hell her work is better than any sleeping tablet!

In terms of work we don’t know what you work in but in most professional jobs presentations are part and parcel of the job. I’ve worked in places where there were presentations once a month rotating through the departments and staff. Everyone had to give one, while under the guise of just a simple presentation of what the department where doing the real reason was the managers where basically seeing who was good at it and suitable for promotion to positions where they would be put in client facing roles or if there was any chance of the role needing to do presentations.

When in college we had one of those normally useless business classes where the one good thing we got to do was a presentation. Some people in the year tried to avoid it but in fairness the guy over the class chased everyone down and actually failed people for not doing it. His reason was simple you will have to give them at some point in life, be it work or at a wedding. He was right and that’s about the only thing from the year we had him he was right about! Honestly are you going to pull a sickie the day you have to give a best man, grooms or father of the bride speech? They are all speeches that you will most likely have to do at some point.