Overcoming nerves from anticipating conference questions?

Question

My field is atmospheric physics.The irony is that I have been a school teacher for over a decade, but soon, I'll be giving a presentation of some of my findings at a conference. I think that the nerves stem from speaking about my own research in front of my peers - something that I have not done to a large audience.The questions that will no doubt be ask fill me with anticipation in both positive and negative ways.Asides from being prepared, making sure the presentation is seamless and that I have a good night's sleep beforehand and 'knowing my stuff' inside and out. What are some strategies to anticipate the type of questions that would likely arise from a conference presentation?

Answer 1

Hi there. Yes, speaking about something 'you're supposed to know about' can be more nerve wracking than a whole host of other things, especially in front of peers. We never want to seem to be (or be discovered to be) a phony. (Or, rather, that is my fear in those situations so I'm speaking for myself, but maybe it's helpful here!) What I do, and encourage my clients to do as well, is to be ready for what I don't know to come at me. Play devil's advocate. I try to think of the things that might confuse or expose a gap in my reasoning or research. I try to anticipate what I might say should those moments occur. I actually come up with phrases--I write them down in notes I'll have with me--things I can say that will buy me time to consider what was asked, and how I might answer: "Interesting, yes, I haven't considered that in a while, but..." or "Yes, right, that has come up a lot...", just a couple of examples. I also imagine myself in the audience, at various points in my career (past to present) and think about how this presentation might have set me thinking/wondering/wanting to poke holes in what is being presented/posited. What kinds of questions might I have had? Then, after hashing that out at my desk, I set it aside, and leave the rest up to chance. I also have a strong relationship with the phrase, "You know, I'm not actually sure of the answer to that and instead of making it up here, I'd want to consult my notes before commenting in detail." That phrase can be a good friend, if you get my meaning. Used sparingly, of course. All the best!