anxiety

[Patricia S. Bowne]

Hi Aloisa

I used to go to lots of meetings where I wasn't presenting. It was 
only a problem when there *wasn't* anyone there who knew me well 
enough to ask why I wasn't presenting!

If there are people you know at the meeting who ask you this, why not 
just say something like "I wanted to just listen this time" or 
"Sometimes it's relaxing to go to a meeting and not have to present." 
After all, lots of people would *like* to go to meetings and just 
listen - but most don't have the luxury, because their institutions 
won't fund travel unless they're presenting. So really, you're 
enjoying a luxury. Don't apologize for it! Your attitude should be 
"it's a big perk and I'm worth it!"

Boosterism aside though, a meeting can be dismal if you don't hook up 
with a social group. I'd use all those people who recognize you well 
enough to ask, as a social core so you can get involved in the good 
discussions. And be kind -- one group that often gets completely 
ignored at these affairs is the teachers who've come to try and get 
up-to-date. All the researchers who are there to schmooze with each 
other can snub teachers big-time; so if you see a lonely teacher 
trying to look like part of a conversation, remember how anxious you 
were yourself and make a new friend!
-- 
Patricia S. Bowne
Biology Department
Alverno College
3401 S. 39th St.
Milwaukee, WI 53234

pbowne at execpc.com

-- 
Patricia S. Bowne
Biology Department
Alverno College
3401 S. 39th St.
Milwaukee, WI 53234

pbowne at execpc.com