How Jack Took the Stress Out of Presentations With Present Pal
How Present Pal helped Jack overcome anxiety and speak with confidence during high-pressure class critiques.
The Challenge
When Jack started studying Contemporary Art Practice at Edinburgh College, he knew presentations would be a big part of the course. But for Jack, who experiences mental health challenges and a speech difficulty, these sessions quickly became a major source of stress.
“We have fortnightly presentations called CRITS. These involve the whole class discussing each other’s work. They count towards specific units and are crucial for feedback and progression.”
Before using Present Pal, Jack struggled with immense anxiety. The idea of speaking in front of a group, especially with a speech difference, felt intimidating and isolating. Jack found that these challenges not only impacted his confidence but also made it harder to communicate clearly during assessments, which was vital to his course success.
“I would really struggle with immense anxiety. Speaking solely to my class is very intimidating due to my speech impediment. I also struggled with pacing - either speaking too fast or mumbling.”
The Solution
Jack first heard about Present Pal through his Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) Needs Assessor during his assessment call. From that moment on, the support he needed was finally within reach.
“I felt more focused whilst delivering presentations and my stress levels were definitely lower than they used to be.”
Jack uses Present Pal to plan his presentation's talking points in advance. When it’s time to speak, he scrolls through his notes using the app’s interactive flashcards, which helps him stay calm, steady, and in control.
“Using Present Pal for my notes helped me with pacing. I knew how much to say per slide or piece of artwork. That took the pressure off and made me feel less anxious.”
Features That Matter Most
Smart Flashcard Creation
Present Pal’s AI-Powered Smart Flashcard Creation helps Jack get his thoughts and ideas down into talking points, helping him understand what he wants to say in a way that feels natural and reassuirng.
Checkpoints
When delivering his fortnightly art critiques, Present Pal’s checkpoints feature helps Jack stay on track. Combined with the in-built stopwatch, these features support Jack with pacing, making sure his speech is clear and he doesn’t rush through under pressure.
Reduced Anxiety, Renewed Focus
Present Pal has helped Jack manage the parts of his course he used to dread most. With a calmer mindset and stronger focus, he's been able to fully engage in his CRITS and contribute with more confidence.
“I feel like my university experience would It’s decreased my anxiety levels so I worry a lot less in the build-up to presentations. I think my experience would have been much more stressful without it.”
Want to help the students you support overcome presentation challenges like Jack?
Explore how Present Pal can transform presentation anxiety into confidence and improve student outcomes.
