Performance advice

Fenix

Im sorry if this is a bit off topic, but here goes anyway. Im having a performance in a couple of days about my thesis in front off my class and im really nervous. Is there anything buddhism says that could ease my nerves or help me threw it?

federica

Breathe.
deeply.
Slowly and unhurriedly.
Read slowly.
pause, and look up and engage with your audience.
Smile. (providing it's not a serious or sombre topic.....)
Nothing Buddhist.
Just years of training in public speaking.

Sty calm.
Good luck

Valtiel

After the last topic you posted, I was worried this was going to be about something else.

I imagine you're probably worried about messing up and looking silly in front of everyone. I'll be honest: so is everyone else, and that's all they're thinking about, too... everyone is so busy worrying about themselves that they wouldn't notice if you let one rip right in the middle of your presentation. Honestly? I remember numerous times having to sit and class and wait for each person to go through their presentation... but I only actually remember my own.

Buddhism doesn't list magical cures for certain situations. The answer to any question is always the same: understand anatta, impermanence, the cause of suffering, etc. Without regular practice, these are nothing more than philosphical concepts with no practical application in everyday life. But WITH practice, these understandings can extend into daily life, including situations like this.

Good luck in your presentation.

TransientTom

you make a great point mundus, I read once somewhere that you could hold the knowledge to enlightenment inside your head, but if you do not practice the knowledge it remains merely as a thought in your mind.

i to fenix dislike public speaking. I am quite shy when it comes to these sorts of things. If you can, try and make you presentation towards the start of the class so then you do not have to worry about it all day. You can kick back and watch everyone else take the lime light I was once so nervous that when I was giving my speech, my voice was trembling at times. After I had done it, I asked myself why was I so worried in the first place... After all, it is only a few minutes speaking in front of some people. Whatever takes place within those few minutes will pass and be forgotten soon enough. Take federicas advise and relax yourself buddhism is a great thing to have in your life, just like a mobile fone, but you wouldn't go washing your car with it would you.... buddhism is not the cure to everything, but it may help. take care and good luck!

AllbuddhaBound

I wonder what the beliefs are that uphold your fear. Do you believe you will fail with your presentation, or make a fool of yourself?

Is it true if you stutter, stammer or stumble, that you will be thought of as a fool?

When you tell yourself you will look like a fool, how do you behave? Nerves I would guess. Maybe some self doubt and fear.

What would your life be like if you did not tell yourself you will be a failure? Much less stressful is my guess. More confidence and self assurance.

Turn the thought around. What is the opposite of "I am going to fail"? Is it because you are bright? Is it because you are capable? Give yourself some examples why you know you are not going to fail. Be real about it.

Examine your story thoroughly. It does not hold water. The story raises your self doubt, not your ability.

Good luck

Namaste

Fenix

same thing. tommorrow I have a running contest for a chance of a day off.

before things like this I always wear myself down before I begin and am exausted before I even start.

Wish me luck, 5 km, the winner wins a free holiday out of jail I'll tell you if I win

fivebells

Good luck! Don't stress; you can actually take a day off any time you want!

Fenix

I didnt win, something like 10th...

federica

Don't worry.

In a race of 15 people, I came 27th....