my fear of speaking in front of others never really comes into play until I have to put to bed the previous night. As soon as my head hits the pillow, I know subconsciously that I will get no sleep. My mind will be one embarrassing scenario, predicting the coming failure.
as an intern at Quicken Loans, I was in charge, as well as other students, to find aspects of the business that need improvement. We then for this area of research activity, offer a way to fix it and present our conclusions and proposals as a group to other members of the team.
the day before my presentation, I decided to try to get to bed early. Instead of drifting into a good night sleep, I tossed and turned, I look at the clock count down time until my phone started buzzing, calling me to the shower. However, this night is different. Quicken Loans culture is so welcoming and that, instead of me envisioning stuttering and mumbling, I saw new ideas and ways to improve my presentation. He was not anxious me juggling - it was excitement! Finally, the anticipation is calmed down, and I was able to enjoy a few hours of sleep.
the Morning Of
, I have to work early to implement the ideas of the previous day. When I started to create my presentation, I became aware of the potential he had. This was by far the best that I had ever felt on a presentation. Once I had the speech down, I had a team member to sit and listen to me. He gave me some useful advice and many strengthened my confidence when he said that he really liked.
I went to the meeting room of 45 minutes in advance. My group visited during our presentation once more. People filed into the room, eager to search for useful information on presentations, energy in my stomach began to return to the nervousness. Once people more than 100 have been installed, the presentations began. With every word, my anxiety rose. My nerves have peaked during the first presentation ended and the floor was opened for questions and comments.
presentation
Finally, it was my turn to take the microphone. I took the microphone, which seemed to weigh 20 pounds, took a deep breath and turned to face the audience. After I introduced myself, my team applauded at the back of the audience. I was the second to speak to my group. The first person finished and turned to me.
I had finished talking before I could think. It was as if I went in the instinct of presentation mode. If you ask me what I said, I couldn't tell you. I know that I entered the crowd and someone asked a few questions. I told a personal story, and I shouted jokingly one of the directors for stealing my thunder. But for the actual words, I don't know what I said.
the Aftermath
even if the presentation was finished, we were not done. Our group had yet to respond to your comments. That's when I realized that I had missed things I had planned the saying. I left the room with regret.
immediately after the presentation, my mentor, Kate, and I went out for lunch. His comments were the most powerful, that I had received all day.
Kate knows that I am a shy person. His enthusiasm was told that I had managed to deceive the public in him believing I am a confident, natural presenter. More, she explained what I said and how I was funny and charismatic, the better I felt. The regrets that I felt earlier have been replaced by pride. I felt proud of myself and my presentation. Towards the end of our meal, an another Quicken Loans team member who has seen present me, Kelly, came to our table to congratulate me on a very nice presentation. Kelly is a great speaker public (it is mainly his work), so his praise has a long way.
looking back, I see that my presentation took place anywhere else, this story might have been different. However, at Quicken Loans, I have the opportunity to express my ideas in different ways. I was able to be more casual and playful. At Quicken Loans, members of my team are encouraging and support. I don't know if I would have given the presentation that I did without the help of my partner Kevin. It helped me to bring my ideas and confidence. Joy, my team gave when I presented myself put a smile on my face and made me relax a little. Their support has encouraged me to do my best. Congratulations to Kate, Kelly and others helped me to see that I did well. Overall, I learned that I have the potential to be a great presenter.
the culture of Quicken Loans and this internship gave me the opportunity to present the way I wanted to. The fact that 100 team members attended presentations, evidenced by the fact that Quicken Loans wants me to succeed. In addition, the members of my team really care about me. They are the reason I can say, "I have no fear of speaking in public."
If you want to be part of a team that supports each other and allows you to express ideas creatively again, check out the QLCareers.com to see if there is a position that suits you!