Presentations

I hate giving presentations, I mean I DEPISE giving presentations. I don't like it when I am at the center of attention. I don't like it when I'm the only one talking and all eyes are on me. The irony is that I am fine speaking out in a large group during a discussion. I am fine standing up to ask a question to the presenter in a large group. It just needs to be a two-way conversation. But when I'm the only one talking and other people are not responding but just staring at me, I totally FREAK OUT!! This is what happens: I stumble - my words come out sloppy and incoherent. I speak fast. I turn red. My legs shake. I get DAMN NERVOUS. It's written all over my face and my speech. I just don't have enough practice in giving presentations so I am very inexperienced.

So I have to give a presentation this Monday to 40-50 people, including very high-level people in my company. I am so stressed about it. I've been thinking about nothing but the presentation. I am so scared and nervous. I have butterflies in my stomach. Maybe I care too much. But then again, I don't want to end up looking like a fool. Why am I more nervous about this stupid presentation than going through jaw surgery? Dang it, it just doesn't make sense. I can't wait until this is all over. It would be such a sigh of relief. Hope I will do OK.