giving presentations required?

[OSUundergrad]

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Hi,

I am currently trying to decide whether I would rather apply to occupational therapy school, physical therapy or optometry school. I might apply to all three and see which one I can get into. My main concern is which program is going to require me to make presentations infront of a bunch of people. I will work hard at what ever I decide to do, but if I knew that there were more presentations required in optometry school that might help me make my decision. I know that might sound immature, but giving a speech is one of my biggest fears.

Any information or advice would be great

Thank you!

 

[gymnastau]

You could end up having to give a presentation in any of your studies. But don't let it deter you from any specific field you enjoy. A few of my classmates have intense fears of presentations in front of people. The professors have been extremely helpful and really reassuring. Realistically, there is no one field you can pick... presentations are really up to professors who decide they would like to use that format in their coursework. Don't let it worry you into picking one field or another.

 

[jewel11786]

Presentations happen everywhere, I've given presentations in almost every class I've ever taken whether English, Biology, OT, sociology, history, whatever. This should NOT be a deciding factor in what field you choose. Each career is completely different. You would be doing yourself a disservice by basing your decision on presentations. You don't want to put all your time (and money) into a program based on this criteria. I highly suggest you volunteer in a rehab hospital or other areas where PTs and OTs work so you have a good idea about how each career differs and which one you'd enjoy more. As far as optometry I don't know what volunteer opportunities exist but maybe you can shadow one for a day or interview a few people working in this field. The only way to get over a fear of presentations is to do them. Take a public speaking or acting class or practice giving a speech in front of your family and friends.

 

[Sunny324]

Don't let your fear of giving presentations get in the way of choosing a career you will enjoy. You'll only be in school for a few years, hopefully you will be working many more years than that.

If your fear of giving presentations is holding you back from achieving your goals, you might consider getting help from the counseling center at your school. If you truly have a phobia, it can be treated.

 

[resot]

Many people have posted about not letting your fear of public speaking interfere with your career, so I will just post about presentations and OT school.

You WILL be presenting. I would say that almost all of my classes require presentations (some group, some individual). Some of my classes require more than one presentation per semester.

Also keep in mind that most OT grad schools are run as a cohort. Which means you have the same (or nearly) people in all of your classes. You will become close as a group, which makes it easier to present as you go along. Good luck.