Your boss has just called to say he won't be in today...You need to run the monthly meeting, and you would rather die than do it. Even though you've seen him do these meetings a hundred times, and his request is that you follow his standard format, doesn't make it any easier. You would rather die!
Here are some guidelines to get you through it.
-Make sure you have the information he wants you to present (check)
Tell the group you need 30 Minutes to look over the material.
-Make sure you have a glass of water with you (check)
-Tell the group right up front the situation at hand. (check)
You've been asked to do this, it's your first time and that you’re a little nervous, concealing this only makes it worse.
Stating the facts will tell them where you are and you will suddenly feel and see a room full of supporters.
-Just do it! Do the best you can. When you feel like your speaking too much, ask questions. This offers relief and starts up Interaction in the group.
-Breathe...I know it's hard. The bashful forget to breathe more often than those with experience.
These tips are for the worst case scenario. Most of the time we are not put into this situation but inevitably it will happen. Your preparation is in the mindset, you can't know when it's going to happen. When it does, do your best. No matter how you do, the group will support you, and they can see you did your best.