How I Overcame My Fear of Presentation in Pharmacy School

When I was in 100 level pharmacy school in Unilorin, I was very unconfident when it comes to presentation. Anytime they ask us to present, my heart will start beating fast. My voice will be shaking and I will forget everything I read. I remember my first presentation in 100 level, I was just reading from slide and looking down. I could not even look at my coursemates. My lecturer said I should speak louder but my voice was still low. I felt very bad that day.

I knew I had to change because in pharmacy school we do presentation almost every semester. If you cannot present well, you will lose marks and you will not be confident as a pharmacist in future. So I started working on myself small.

First thing I did is to practice in front of mirror. Before any presentation, I will stand in our hostel room and present to myself in the mirror. I will check how I move my hand and how I talk. Sometimes my roommates will be there and they will laugh but they also correct me. They will tell me, you are speaking too fast, or you are looking down too much.

Second, I use the charging business to practice. When people bring their phone to charge, I will explain what I read to them. That teaching method make me bold because I have to explain in simple way and look at them. If I can explain drug to a customer, I can explain to class.

Third, I joined reading group. In our reading group of 4, we take turns to teach each other. Every week, one person will teach one topic. That was where I started gaining confidence. Because we are just few, I was not too shy. Gradually I improve.

Fourth, I started preparing early. Before I used to read presentation a night before, so I was not confident. Now I read 3 days before and I will write short points on small paper, not full sentence. So I will just look at point and explain, not reading everything.

Now in 200 level, I can stand in front of class and present without fear. My voice is louder, I make eye contact, and I even answer questions. I am not 100 percent perfect but I am far better than before. If you are also shy like me, start practicing small with your friends and you will become confident.