Quite possibly the most challenging part of graduate school thus far has centered on my ability (or lack thereof) to... well... talk in front of others.
Well, sort of.
Obviously, I've been doing that (talking, I mean) for a good number of years. But, when it comes to formal presentations, I'm a whole bundle of jitters, convulsions, and conniptions wrapped in a Kansas State University hoodie or, when the hood is less-than-appropriate, a frayed sweater from Goodwill.
That's just for formal presentations in general, mind you. Want me to talk science? Then let's up the epilepsy a little.
I've been reminded of this slight fault this weekend, as I've been practicing with an added air of desperation for a short (15 minute) presentation this coming Tuesday. It's one of the last "requirements" to complete before I've officially finished another quarter. But, practice runs have been a series of false starts, stumbles, and pregnant silences, in a manner a friend described as "sounding something like a particularly disappointing case of erectile disfunction."
But hey, at least I'll get to use a laser pointer.
Posted by James at March 12, 2006 09:46 PM