Assessment and Anxiety

LegacyUser

I have a big assessment with work coming up in a few days. I just found out. I've struggled with work-related anxiety for a couple of years now, medication, cbt, meditation etc etc.

This assessment could determine how my career will go. Whether I can continue with the company. I'm completely freaking out. It involves a presentation and meeting. Presentations are not my strong point anyway.

I have learned some techniques to deal with anxiety but this is the biggest hurdle I've had to face and I don't know how not to get overwhelmed by it all.

If anybody has any advice at all it would be really appreciated.

Sparrow_Hawk

The above could be viewed as a form of stage fright. You need to speak to your GP.

MissOphelia

What I find works best for me is to know my presentation inside out, so I get it done in plenty of time then practice practice practice as much as I can. Then when I'm nervous and anxious the words just seem to come to me automatically.
I also try to have a few opening lines that break the ice and give a good first impression.
Practical things like knowing in advance where you will be standing, and where your colleagues will be seated can all help. Try not to focus on any one particular person in the group and if you find eye contact distracting then look at the top of people's head.
No new uncomfortable outfits on the day! Wear something you're comfortable in and know it looks smart
Best of Luck, start the preparations early!

kob29

This is doable girl !

Presentation anxiety is fairly normal and with performance situations its actually helpful to giving a good performance.
Get the presentation sorted as soon as possible and know the material. That's the source of confidence.

Go and lie down in bed then, turn off the lights and picture yourself giving a presentation worthy of wowing xfactor. Picture yourself, hear yourself confidently delivering it. Confidence in these situations doesnt have to be real to be effective, fake it. Practice the presentation in your kitchen faking confidence. As someone else suggested know your opening and make eye contact with your audience during this, it will set you up for relaxing into it. Keep a glass of water handy and use it if you need to, just calmly and unapologetic-ally take a drink if you need to.
You can do this, people do this every day who feel the same way as you about presenting or public speaking.