======= Date Modified 29 05 2009 07:05:07 =======
Next week I have to give a presentation on an area only tangentially related to my thesis. I have a general knowledge of the area, but am no expert. I'm on a panel with another 3 people, all of whom are experts - I've just been talking to one of them about her presentation and now feel completely overwhelmed! Her knowledge is huge and I'm just tootling around the edges! If it wasn't for my supervisor I wouldn't be on this panel - and I so don't want to do it!

And to make matters worse, I'll be talking about government policy in front of public servants, who are also old colleagues. They'll know I'm not an expert!!

...I hate challenges and don't know why I ever agreed to this!! I've had a look at some of the stuff on imposter syndrome, but it doesn't help.

How about removing the possibility of people thinking you are a fraud by pointing it out right at the start.
When you get up, introduce yourself by saying something like "I feel such a fraud standing up alongside experts, talking to a room full of experts"
People love self-depreciation. They also love compliments - and you just complimented the whole room.

You say the area under discussion is only tangentially related to your thesis. Then limit your presentation to that relationship.

I feel in the same boat - to get people to take part in my research I have just agreed to give them a seminar - not only the academc side of what I am doing, but they want a practical side to it (in which I have no idea). I am panicking now and its in November! so scared they are all going to start booing and hissing 10 mins in!

I agree, tell them like it is, you must have something to offer though, or you wouldn't have been asked. :-)