Presentation and turning red

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
M

moto_za

Member
20+ Year Member
Joined
Jan 16, 2006
Messages
1,648
Reaction score
70
Points
4,866
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Hi,

I was wondering if anyone can provide me with information on how to prevent yourself from turning red when presenting in front of a group of people? This happens to me most of the time and I don't know why? I have a presentation tomorrow and hope this will not happen.

thanks a lot
 
moto_za said:
Hi,

I was wondering if anyone can provide me with information on how to prevent yourself from turning red when presenting in front of a group of people? This happens to me most of the time and I don't know why? I have a presentation tomorrow and hope this will not happen.

thanks a lot
Click to expand...

There are meds that will help prevent it, so you could consult your doctor. I think there's surgery for this as well. Alternatively, hit a tanning salon -- the change in color will be less noticeable.
 
thanks law2doc. surgery!!!!!! never thought that would be an option
 
moto_za said:
thanks law2doc. surgery!!!!!! never thought that would be an option
Click to expand...

haven't you seen Grey's Anatomy? there was an episode where a girl was admitted because she wanted to have surgery to get rid of turning red all the time. Yes, she turned bright red every time Dr. Shepard entered the room.
 
make yourself present more often and you'll get used to it. i used to be really shy, but now i think i speak better in presentation form than if i were just trying to talk about a subject casually.
 
no I don't see grey's anatomy. what kind of surgery do you have???
 
Atul Gawande dedicates a chapter ("Crimson Tide") to this condition in his book, Complicaitons.
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
I totally agree with you yyd and really appreciate you and everyone elses support and help. I think the fact that I am thinking about it makes it worse and I agree with everything that you said. One other problem though is that when I meet new people and am put on the spot or if someone says something unexpectable i will turn red. And don't get me wrong, I am not a shy person and love to interact with people but the fact that i blush comes out to make me seem that i am shy or something ??
 
Law2Doc said:
There are meds that will help prevent it, so you could consult your doctor. I think there's surgery for this as well. Alternatively, hit a tanning salon -- the change in color will be less noticeable.
Click to expand...

lol @ law2doc. it's the first time in my entire time on sdn where the advice you're giving isn't necessarily correct.

just because someone has a characteristic that deviates from the norm and he or she is self-conscious about it does not mean that it has to be medicalized. In fact, his/her face turning red is actually a healthy defense mechanism, with blood flowing to his head region.

a natural way to make it less noticeable is to apply something on the face (water, aftershave, alcohol, etc) so as it evaporates, it cools your skin making less blood flow there.
 
yyd said:
moto_za,

Don't even think of any kind of surgery: it is silly! As someone who had the same problem (A LOT) during the school years (middle to high school), I can tell you that the way out of it is to try to break the anxiety cycle that is causing this problem. Your face may be turning red because this is what you anticipate, and you worry about how other people will react to it (whether it would appear weird, etc). The more you worry about it, the worse it becomes. From my own experiene, I suggest not to fight the anxiety when you start feeling your face turning bright red and instead assume an attitude that you simply don't care about it. You may FEEL weird when it happens, but you don't LOOK weird. Besides, most people are so preoccupied with themselves, they would hardly notice. If you can get your anxiety under control, you won't have "red face" problem anymore. For me, it kind of went away during my college years and now (I'm currently in grad school) it would take a lot to make me blush. So, please trust me on this: this problem is definitely manageable without any kinds of drugs or surgery. Also, giving as many oral presentations as possible helps a lot as it will boost your confidence of speaking before people.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...


I would never consider having unnecessary surgery. Look on the bright side, at least your face isn't encrusted in acne wich causes you to walk around with an inflamed red face all the time. Damn my childhood! 😡
 
inside_edition said:
lol @ law2doc. it's the first time in my entire time on sdn where the advice you're giving isn't necessarily correct.

just because someone has a characteristic that deviates from the norm and he or she is self-conscious about it does not mean that it has to be medicalized. In fact, his/her face turning red is actually a healthy defense mechanism, with blood flowing to his head region.

a natural way to make it less noticeable is to apply something on the face (water, aftershave, alcohol, etc) so as it evaporates, it cools your skin making less blood flow there.
Click to expand...

I don't think Law2doc is suggesting that the OP have surgery. He's just stating the options.
 
crazy_cavalier said:
I don't think I've ever really turned red, but I think it's cute when other people do. Kawaii!
Click to expand...

i thought i was the only one who felt that way about other people (ie, opposite sex).
 
inside_edition said:
lol @ law2doc. it's the first time in my entire time on sdn where the advice you're giving isn't necessarily correct.

just because someone has a characteristic that deviates from the norm and he or she is self-conscious about it does not mean that it has to be medicalized. In fact, his/her face turning red is actually a healthy defense mechanism, with blood flowing to his head region.

a natural way to make it less noticeable is to apply something on the face (water, aftershave, alcohol, etc) so as it evaporates, it cools your skin making less blood flow there.
Click to expand...

Well, there's red and there's red. I'm assuming that the OP wouldn't have posted if it were a momentary healthy flush. There are people for whom it is a real problem, enduring and very noticeable. And not one that water, alcohol, or aftershave will ever fix. For such people, there are, in fact, medical options. Read the Gawande chapter cited by the poster above, he discusses it pretty nicely. I personally wouldn't go under the knife in such a controversial operation, and would lean toward the tanning salon option. But that's me.
 
PEN15 said:
I don't think Law2doc is suggesting that the OP have surgery. He's just stating the options.
Click to expand...

I know that he's stating the options. however, as future doctors, we should be careful about not misleading anyone in medical advice; also, because we know that almost all allopathic treatments have side effects, every single anomaly does not have to be medicalized. perhaps this is the way I feel and by doing so I hope to change the practice of medicine by taking into account other context.
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
inside_edition said:
I know that he's stating the options. however, as future doctors, we should be careful about not misleading anyone in medical advice; also, because we know that almost all allopathic treatments have side effects, every single anomaly does not have to be medicalized. perhaps this is the way I feel and by doing so I hope to change the practice of medicine by taking into account other context.
Click to expand...

You also have to realize that what doesn't sound like such a big deal to you, can be crippling to your future patients. So just because medical options sound overboard for some doesn't mean they aren't warranted for others.
 
Law2Doc said:
Well, there's red and there's red. I'm assuming that the OP wouldn't have posted if it were a momentary healthy flush. There are people for whom it is a real problem, enduring and very noticeable. And not one that water, alcohol, or aftershave will ever fix. For such people, there are, in fact, medical options. Read the Gawande chapter cited by the poster above, he discusses it pretty nicely. I personally wouldn't go under the knife in such a controversial operation, and would lean toward the tanning salon option. But that's me.
Click to expand...

It could be a real problem but also exacerbated by the OP's feelings and attitudes toward it.

without getting further into this (as my mind is exhausted from finals) issue, we should all realize that in our profession we will have to face ethical issues (such as this one) and understand the risks and benefits of all the options available.
 
Weird, I used to ALWAYS turn red when I was a kid all the way up to my teenage years. Then I think I got darker, now I just sweat when I get nervous. I don't know what's worse.
 
Law2Doc said:
You also have to realize that what doesn't sound like such a big deal to you, can be crippling to your future patients. So just because medical options sound overboard for some doesn't mean they aren't warranted for others.
Click to expand...

maybe this is why the Terms of Service prohibit users from giving medical advice...because without using subjectivity (from actually seeing someone in person) it would be hard to determine the best choice of treatment (or to simply state all the options neutrally).
 
exactly true yyd. i totally agree. about genetics, i notice that my dad would very slightly turn red at rare times, and he does not have any social problems or anything like that and is extremely social
 
inside_edition said:
It could be a real problem but also exacerbated by the OP's feelings and attitudes toward it.

without getting further into this (as my mind is exhausted from finals) issue, we should all realize that in our profession we will have to face ethical issues (such as this one) and understand the risks and benefits of all the options available.
Click to expand...

Someone asked what options existed. I listed three. All of which are actual options used by people. If the OP goes and consults a physician based on this info THAT PHYSICIAN has all the ethical obligations here, and it is his duty to discuss the risks and benefits. Neither you nor I can see the OP or his/her condition, so obviously we cannot know whose suggestions are warranted here.

I still say go with the tanning.
 
I had the same problem! my cheeks turned red each time i felt embarrassed, especially when I was younger. As I get older I don't have the same problem anymore (thankfully). But my cheeks turn red sometimes (okay, maybe a lot.. i lost the count) for no apparent reason..I guess my skin is very white..so perhaps that's another reason...even though it's cold, I still have red cheeks..I dunno exactly...

People ask me, "Do you put on blush?" because my cheeks are red. Of course i don't! i don't wear make-up (only when I have to. lol. e.g., special events)
 
inside_edition said:
maybe this is why the Terms of Service prohibit users from giving medical advice...because without using subjectivity (from actually seeing someone in person) it would be hard to determine the best choice of treatment (or to simply state all the options neutrally).
Click to expand...

If you read my initial post you will see that all three options were stated neutrally.
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
i can see you all becoming great docs.
 
yea, law2doc was just telling me about the options, more than what to do
(i respect law2doc as i have read good things from him🙂
 
just practice your presentations....and you'll be fine....

worst case--- picture everyone in their underware.... 😉
 
Do a phantom of the opera thing or V for Vendetta thing.

I feel you though, buddy. I get the sweaty hand syndrome all the time and it sucks too, and I am not really an anxious person.
 
Law2Doc, something you missed is that although the OP asked how it could be treated/fixed, you still had the option to identify the problem as partly psychological. in other words, medicalizing the problem, in a biomedical model, is not always the best option. the social environment may have played a big role by the OP feeling nervous around people the OP places high value to (siblings or peers teasing op earlier in life and its effects today).
 
photo_girl07 said:
just practice your presentations....and you'll be fine....

worst case--- picture everyone in their underware.... 😉
Click to expand...

lol, i can just imagine you in your underware (underwear + silverware=new fetish):laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
 
photo_girl07 said:
just practice your presentations....and you'll be fine....

worst case--- picture everyone in their underware.... 😉
Click to expand...

lol, i can just imagine you in your underware (underwear + silverware=new fetish):laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
i put a little extra make up on if applicable, and:

WATCH WHAT FOODS YOU EAT!! ! ! !

I can not stress that enough...avoid caffeines, hot foods, high carb foods, these all increase body temps/circulation. Also avoid food you know create/agitate this reaction (for me alcohol, wheats, etc.). But the other part of the problem it to get used to standing in front of a group with your pants around your ankles, cant be much worse in reality!

If all else fails, don't wear green, and explain how u went the extra step for the "Season"...

KATiE
 
clsr2nrvna said:
i put a little extra make up on if applicable, and:

WATCH WHAT FOODS YOU EAT!! ! ! !

I can not stress that enough...avoid caffeines, hot foods, high carb foods, these all increase body temps/circulation. Also avoid food you know create/agitate this reaction (for me alcohol, wheats, etc.). But the other part of the problem it to get used to standing in front of a group with your pants around your ankles...

If all else fails, don't wear green, and explain how u went the extra step for the "Season"...

KATiE
Click to expand...

alternatively, the op could simply wear a red shirt. this would make his face look less red. and based on that premise, he would feel less nervous about becoming red, which in turn prevents redness, etc, etc.
 
inside_edition said:
Law2Doc, something you missed is that although the OP asked how it could be treated/fixed, you still had the option to identify the problem as partly psychological. in other words, medicalizing the problem, in a biomedical model, is not always the best option. the social environment may have played a big role by the OP feeling nervous around people the OP places high value to (siblings or peers teasing op earlier in life and its effects today).
Click to expand...

First, I have said several times now that the "best option" here was tanning.🙄
Second, you seem locked into the idea that it is not a "medical" problem, which might be the case. But without examining the patient, you are equally likely to be wrong. And my suggestions are actually less dangerous than yours because they require the individual to get examined by a physician first.
And FYI, there are plenty of psychological problems that can actually be helped with medications, so even if it is just a minor case of stage fright, or something stemming from childhood teasing, there are actually meds some people use that help to get past these, under care of physicians. So no, just because a problem is partly "psychological" doesn't necessarilly mean the solution won't involve "medicalizing". Doesn't mean it will either.
 
i feel really special from all the support you guys/gals are giving me and now i feel more confident about presenting tomorrow morning and i will wear something read just in case ...haaha
 
i feel really special from all the support you guys/gals are giving me and now i feel more confident about presenting tomorrow morning and i will wear something read just in case ...haaha
 
moto_za said:
i feel really special from all the support you guys/gals are giving me and now i feel more confident about presenting tomorrow morning and i will wear something read just in case ...haaha
Click to expand...

Just put on that red shirt, aftershave, make-up and a new tan, picture everyone in their underwear, and try not to think of an attractive Grey's anatomy star and you will do fine. If not, move on to one of the other options.
 
I'm not giving medical advice but my own personal experience is that I'd get up in front of a group for a presentation and my heart would race, I'd talk fast, get red, sweat, forget what I was saying, etc. Last time my dr prescribed beta blockers (short term, one or two an hour before the presentation) and supposedly it just takes away the physical reactions and I had the best presentation ever, partially due to the confidence of having the pill to rely on. After having a successful presentation, I didn't even use them for the next presentation and it went along just fine. Remember to take a deep breath and spend a few minutes up front before starting, if possible.

Go you!
 
Law2Doc said:
Just put on that red shirt, aftershave, make-up and a new tan, picture everyone in their underwear, and try not to think of an attractive Grey's anatomy star and you will do fine. If not, move on to one of the other options.
Click to expand...

wait, wouldn't a tan make it even more red (destruction of, i think, collagen causing an inflammatory response->blood vessels dilate)? i know that whenever i'm outside in the sun, my skin gets all red.
 
yea i read in an article that beta-blockers help. i haven't tried it yet, but just thinking it might make me dependent on it
 
myrtle said:
I'm not giving medical advice but my own personal experience is that I'd get up in front of a group for a presentation and my heart would race, I'd talk fast, get red, sweat, forget what I was saying, etc. Last time my dr prescribed beta blockers (short term, one or two an hour before the presentation) and supposedly it just takes away the physical reactions and I had the best presentation ever, partially due to the confidence of having the pill to rely on. After having a successful presentation, I didn't even use them for the next presentation and it went along just fine. Remember to take a deep breath and spend a few minutes up front before starting, if possible.

Go you!
Click to expand...

what did he prescribe and what are the effects? also, how short term is it?

can they affect the muscles used in speech (i think some are smooth and others are skeletal)?
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

G
Transcript red flag and sexual harassment?
Replies
10
Views
2K
Goro
Goro
electricalspray
Reapplying after turning down MD acceptance
Replies
6
Views
4K
kinnencan
kinnencan
lsg-premed
Red flag question
Replies
7
Views
2K
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
J
Question about potential red flag wording in secondary
Replies
7
Views
1K
polymerization
polymerization
D
Is auditing a class a red flag?
Replies
7
Views
1K
LunaOri
LunaOri
Top Bottom