I have a speech to give in the next couple of days and feel kind of nauseous thinking about it right now. I’m a good presenter, but have always been afflicted with what actors refer to as “flopsweat.” I wonder if you are too. Take this little quiz and find out.
1. When I know I have to make a presentation, even a small one before a very limited number of people, I start feeling nervous…
2. When a big meeting is coming up, one that will involve a number of presentations from a range of people…
3. I would say my ability as a presenter is…
4. While I am up on stage, I…
5. Comments about my presentations are generally…
6. If I have to go “off the cuff”…
7. If I could describe public speaking as a food, it would be…
8. My idea of a great public speaker is/was…
Score yourself 1 point for every (a) answer; 2 points for every (b); 5 points for every (c) and 10 points for every (d).
7-20: If called to speak, stick your head in a microwave. You’re doomed.
21-35: You’re a good, professional presenter; possibly not the most interesting in the world, but then if your mother had wanted you to be an actor, she would have given you a different nose.
36-55: You’re all over the place. You’re a paranoid maniac. And you’re probably pretty entertaining.
56-70: You’re probably fundraising for the ’08 elections right now.