This week I undertook a presentation in front of my peers and two members of staff. My presentation slot was between 9-11 am therefore, at 7.45 am I was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as I emerged from my house to the University of Stirling. While driving to the university, I played a rehearsed recording of me practicing my presentation. This enabled me to go over my lines and get some last-minute revision beforehand, putting my mind at ease.

As I arrived in class, all of the students were looking very formal as they were wearing smart trousers and shirts. Once everyone arrived, the module co-ordinator gave a brief summary of today’s plan. This required us to present our findings on a presentation regarding our work experience however when others were presenting, we had to fill out a feedback form. When referring to the feedback form, we had to inform the presenter of what they did well, what they should stop doing followed by a suggestion of what to keep doing or change.

After the module co-ordinator communicated today’s plan, she asked: “who would like to go first?”. My mind was playing tricks at this moment and time as I was saying to myself “no ill wait”, then I was thinking “oh no maybe I should go first and get it over and done with.” Unfortunately, I didn’t build the courage to go first, as a matter of fact, I was actually last.

When the module co-ordinator shouted “Lauren, you are up next”, I could feel the palm of my hands dripping with sweat, my heart was racing, I was terrified. All I was thinking about was the last time I attempted to speak in front of an audience and all I did was laugh due to nerves. However, I continued to think positively while saying to myself “COME ON YOU CAN DO THIS”.

At the beginning of my presentation I felt the nerves were getting the better of me as I was mispronouncing words while being reluctant to engage with my audience, however, as the presentation progressed, I started to become more confident enabling me to stand with a strong posture, speak with a loud clear voice and engage with the materials and my audience.

Overall, I believe my presentation ran smoothly. The audience seemed to enjoy my Powerpoint and stated that I shared some interesting facts while giving an effective self-reflection on my work placement experience. Due to this being my last EVER blog, I just want to share my opinion about this work experience module. This work experience module has taught me things about myself that I didn’t even know. Moreover, it has been one of the best modules that I have taken at the University of Stirling therefore, I am grateful to have been giving this opportunity.