I started a job a year ago and within a month I was asked to deliver a training- something I've never done before.

14 Comments

1. Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachFebruary 26,2023 at 8:08PM UTC

   Practice makes progress! Remember, YOU know more about this training more than any of them in the room.

   Also, evaluating yourself afterwards helps. You see what you did great/ what FELT great and what didn't. Then you can come up with ways or even just practice those moments that did not feel great, so they get a little better with each training.

   This is an amazing skill you are developing and something alot of people cannot do. Give yourself credit for being uncomfortable and growing!

   If you want to work with a coach on this, I can help you! Send me an email at maegan@maeganmiller.com and we can set a time up to discuss what that process would look like and what you will get out of it so you can master these trainings and feel GOOD about them!

2. AnonymousFebruary 26,2023 at 8:11PM UTC

   Get a trusted coach and mentor there to help you be more comfortable with presentations. You can make it enjoyable by interjecting some humor into it. Definitely seek help on managing anxiety / panic attacks.

   This job function may be viewed in job description as "and other duties as assigned".

   The employer has every right to request changes and additions in our responsibilities.

   If you try everything you can in your power to get past this, but just can't do so, you may be better off looking for a more behind the scenes position elsewhere.

3. Cara HouserFebruary 26,2023 at 8:25PM UTC

   The thing that helped me most when I was just getting started with public speaking was to remember that it was not about me. It’s about THEM and how you can share knowledge and insights to help them learn, discover, and grow. Shifting your focus away from your nerves and onto the people in your presence will make you aware of their needs and open you up to listening, adapting, and learning as well.

   And -- deep breathing is always useful before starting anything that makes you nervous. Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 2, out for 8. Repeat 5 times. This will help your brain signal to your body that you are safe it's ok to relax into the moment.

   Finally -- give yourself grace. This is the number one human fear and with practice it will strengthen like any muscle.

4. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistFebruary 26,2023 at 11:13PM UTC

   Toastmasters! They're a non-profit and that's literally their mission: What is Toastmasters? Do you want to practice public speaking, improve your communication and build leadership skills?

   https://www.toastmasters.org/

   It's my understanding that it's also a great place to practice networking.

   I, personally, have no affiliation with them but have heard nothing but great things about them for years.

   Good luck!

5. AnonymousFebruary 27,2023 at 3:10AM UTC

   I use my family and friends as my audience I have to do onboarding every week and the more I practice with them the better I am getting hang in there it gets easier !! I promise and you know more than they do you are there to relay a message that’s your purpose to inform them.

6. AnonymousFebruary 27,2023 at 5:34AM UTC

   There are many training classes you can take to get that coaching and direct feedback. I would look into resources like that which your company can pay for. I would also look into your company's EAP fir possible counseling to help you discuss your nerves and anxiety. This might offer you some tools and techniques to ease these challenges.

7. AnonymousFebruary 27,2023 at 3:29PM UTC

   Many years ago, we had a large training conference. The woman from my department who was going to give the training was pregnant and delivered early. I had been at my job for six weeks. Now it was on me. I spent the next couple weeks preparing for it, made handouts, slides, the whole thing. That morning, I'm standing in front of 50ish people and about 10 minutes into it, and my head started spinning. I told them I'd be right back, ran out of the room, leaned against a file cabinet and collapsed. My co-workers started fanning me, getting me water, making sure I was OK. After a few minutes, I got up, went back in the room, said sorry about that, and finished the training. Not my proudest moment.

   Believe it or not, I love to do training now. Nothing could be worse than that moment, and it was all uphill from there. Keep at it, and remember, if you're doing the training you probably DO know more than they do.

8. AnonymousFebruary 27,2023 at 4:19PM UTC

   If they have reached out to you to assist, then they have confidence that you can deliver results. Prep, practice and reach out to coworkers to collaborate as well. Good luck!

9. Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterFebruary 27,2023 at 6:04PM UTC

   I would most definitely speak with your boss about attending a presentation training program - I suggest identifying 2-3 options to present to him/her. Explain the need just have you have explained it to us. From my experience, these types of trainings - especially if there is hands-on presentation experience included, would be invaluable to you.

10. AnonymousFebruary 28,2023 at 1:27AM UTC

    Practice. That will serve you well. Practice with a close peer or 2 and then branch off.

11. Yelena SheremetaFebruary 28,2023 at 4:08PM UTC

    Christy Wright has some great content on public speaking for women!

12. Kathryn MontbriandFebruary 28,2023 at 6:53PM UTC

    Hi there - I wrote about how to prepare and get through (quickly!) the physical stress of public speaking a few months ago. The question was specific to meetings, but I expect some of the same mindsets will help you.

    https://www.kathrynmontbriand.com/when-i-grow-up/009-how-can-i-stop-freezing-in-meetings

13. Kimberly GrahamMarch 1,2023 at 6:17PM UTC

    They say that public speaking is one of the biggest fears people have . . . BUT I agree with one of the comments that your manager must see something in you that they want to tap into. I used to be terrified of public speaking and yet once I got past the fear and realized I had something to offer and was asked for a reason training has become one of the most rewarding parts of my career. Keep in mind that most of the time people can't see your nerves when you're presenting so see if you can turn that into energy and knock it out of the part. You can do this and stretching in your career is beneficial in so many ways. You've got this!

14. Bernadette M MartinezMarch 3,2023 at 10:46PM UTC

    If you just don't enjoy doing them, is this something you want to speak to your manager about assigning to someone else? I taught for 8 years and have done training in every position I've had since I was 19. But not everyone enjoys it, wants to do it, or is good at it (to be honest).

    If this is something you genuinely want to build skill in, definitely do so. Toastmasters is great, LinkedIn Learning has some great courses, and practicing does help a LOT.

    But if this is something you've no interest in, don't force yourself to push into it. That's an excellent way to start hating your job. It doesn't matter what anyone else "sees" in you. If it's not your jam at work (or anywhere), don't be afraid to say so.