How do you find public speaking / making presentations?

[Maurice E]

Had to do a presentation earlier today. I know lots of people dread them. Would be good to hear any views. If you don't like them, why exactly?
Let's have a heated debate!

[MindlessRuffian]

I have panic attacks when I try to. SO I hate it.

[Kewpie]

Again lack of choice makes me unable to vote.

It absolutely depends on the subject.
If a subject is I'm interested I'm quite happy to do.
However, if it's about something I don't have much knowledge or boring one to tackle with I don't think I'm capable of.

[sweetness522]

I absolutely hate it, although in college I had to do it. It was a huge challenge, even when everyone says they never see you sweat. And picturing your audience w/out clothes is a good idea, but never really did the trick for me.

[Franzanna]

Often I actually find it easier than speaking to someone I'm not familiar with one-on-one, because I don't have to talk to anyone in particular. Unless there are questions at the end. That's a bit harder.

[EPbabe]

I don't really mind it. Especially because most of the time it's not my own words that I have to pronounce.

[Maurice E]

Again lack of choice makes me unable to vote.

It absolutely depends on the subject.
If a subject is I'm interested I'm quite happy to do.
However, if it's about something I don't have much knowledge or boring one to tackle with I don't think I'm capable of.

this question's about the nerves and the fear that people have in relation to standing up in public and presenting to others (assume it's a subject you can choose yourself).
you're obviously happy with that aspect of it so you would fall under one of the top two categories.

[jesuisbryony]

Beforehand I'm able to convince myself that it will be okay, however when it comes down to it I'm just hopeless and end up mumbling and avoiding any eye contact, always.

[Maurice E]

I don't really mind it. Especially because most of the time it's not my own words that I have to pronounce.

ah, EP babe.
such a cool-headed, unflappable Eastern European!

[Maurice E]

Beforehand I'm able to convince myself that it will be okay, however when it comes down to it I'm just hopeless and end up mumbling and avoiding any eye contact, always.

poor Bryony. however, rest assured it's the correct response for a stereotypical, sensitive Morrissey fan!

[Franzanna]

ah, EP babe.
such a cool-headed, unflappable Eastern European!

Hey now! Hungary is Central Europe now. Us Eastern Europeans drive tractors through our rye fields and drink vodka, Hungarians don't do it nearly as often.

[EPbabe]

ah, EP babe.
such a cool-headed, unflappable Eastern European!

Let's just say I had plenty of time to get used to public speaking...

[Maurice E]

Hey now! Hungary is Central Europe now. Us Eastern Europeans drive tractors through our rye fields and drink vodka, Hungarians don't do it nearly as often.

I'm sure the EP babe does it sufficiently often!

[EPbabe]

I'm sure the EP babe does it sufficiently often!

I have just been back from my drunken tractor-ride.

[Oh my god, it's Robby!]

When I was a kid, I use to love public speaking(I think). My father was "big" into Toastmasters International during the 70s&80s.
So I guess I took to it naturally. Then after he died 8 years ago and I was supposed to speak at the funeral. But something happened to me, I thought I was going to suffocate and I lost my voice.
I've never really got that cocksure and swaggering way of projecting back, but now, after these years since then, I am OK with that.
And in a strange coincidence, today is actually his birthday.
He would be, lets see, 62 today, if he was still alive.

[jesuisbryony]

poor Bryony. however, rest assured it's the correct response for a stereotypical, sensitive Morrissey fan!

Haha, oh dear.

[Anker Ignis Fatuus Von K.]

I don't like it, I get pretty nervous when I have to do it. The weird thing is, that it is easier for me to stand in front of people and talk about some stuff, than to be in a large group of people just conversing.

Apart from that, apparently, I'm pretty good at speaking in front of people and seem quite sovereign, even though that's not how I feel.

[Franzanna]

I have just been back from my drunken tractor-ride.

I see you more than qualify for being an Eastern European, congratulations! Wait a moment whilst I prepare my speech.

[Skinner]

I hate to sound like a teacher or parent, but for me, the best thing in the world was that public speaking class you have to take first year in college. It really helps you improve I think.

Prior to speaking publicly, I am nervous but as long as I am well informed and have litterally done my homework, I know that it will be ok. And after it's all over, I feel so much better. Like all the nervous feelings can be put to rest.

It's fun when you get to discuss or present on something you are interested in, which is another reason why I think a public speaking class is important b/c it allows some of the nerves to subside as you go on talking about things you consider to be fun.

I recomend taking instruction. Works wonders.

[Maurice E]

When I was a kid, I use to love public speaking(I think). My father was "big" into Toastmasters International during the 70s&80s. So I guess I took to it naturally. Then after he died 8 years ago and I was supposed to speak at the funeral. But something happened to me, I thought I was going to suffocate and I lost my voice.
I've never really got that cocksure and swaggering way of projecting back, but now, after these years since then, I am OK with that.
And in a strange coincidence, today is actually his birthday.
He would be, lets see, 62 today, if he was still alive.

Sorry to hear that, Robby.
Having to speak at a parent's funeral must be one of the hardest things.