First off, I get why you’re feeling this pressure. It’s one thing to give a presentation, but it’s another when you’re supposed to be yourself and show your personality while also being professional. There’s that fine line between being too stiff or trying too hard to be “fun” and laid-back, right? I think the biggest thing is really digging into what about you is worth sharing, and why. It’s not just about saying "Hey, I’m quirky," but about weaving that into the content without it feeling like you’re trying to prove a point.
You mentioned that you've done something similar before and it didn’t go as planned, which sucks, but it’s also real—like, most people have bombed at least one thing in their lives, and honestly, that’s where the real lessons come from. Instead of thinking of the presentation as something you need to "nail" (because let’s be real, perfection is overrated), maybe try to approach it as an opportunity to just be there in the moment and let the audience feel like they’re with you. They’re not there to watch a polished performance, they’re there to connect with you, even if it’s just for 15 minutes.
In terms of resources or books, I mean, you can definitely dive into some solid stuff. But I think the trick is less about “technique” and more about how you approach the whole thing mentally. If I were you, I’d probably start by reflecting on what you actually care about or what excites you right now—no matter how random or niche. It doesn’t have to be this huge, life-altering idea. It can be something small that you can talk about naturally, like the whole “cheese” thing. That could’ve been a throwaway topic, but someone found a way to make it work because it spoke to who they are, not just what they were talking about.
Now, as for specific books or tips, if you want to dive into the psychology of presentations, “Talk Like TED” by Carmine Gallo might give you some insight. It’s all about how to make your ideas stick, not just in a technical way but in a more human, memorable way. And then there's “The Art of Public Speaking” by Dale Carnegie, which is more old-school. But it has some solid advice on how to manage nerves and connect with your audience in an authentic way. But if I’m being honest, I think the best advice is just to practice. Not in front of a mirror or to an empty room, but actually trying to talk about your topic to a friend or family member—someone who can be brutally honest with you. And then pay attention to how you feel when you do it. If you start getting in your head too much, you might be overthinking. Try to let things come out as they do, without editing yourself too much as you go along. That’ll help you sound more natural.
Another thing to consider is pacing-15 minutes sounds short, but that’s actually a lot of time to fill. People tend to rush when they’re nervous, so maybe give yourself space between thoughts. Pause. Let things breathe. The silence can be uncomfortable, but it gives people time to process what you’ve said. And it gives you time to think about what you’re saying next.
Also, there’s no harm in embracing the awkward parts of being human. If you mess up, laugh it off. People will remember that more than they’ll remember a perfect sentence. It’s about showing you’re not just some talking head; you’re a person up there, trying to communicate and connect with them.
In the end, I think what really matters is finding a way to be yourself without overthinking how it looks to others. Easier said than done, but if you can hit that sweet spot, you’re already ahead of most people who try to be “perfect.”