Presentation Panic

Allyson’s heart pounded. It was almost her turn to give her history presentation. She had practiced again and again with her mom the night before. But still, she felt really nervous. She hated talking in front of people!

“Next up is Allyson,” Mrs. Tanner said. “Please come present your report.”

Allyson stood up from her desk and nervously walked to the front of the classroom. She looked out into the faces of her classmates and took a shaky breath. Her palms felt sweaty. She wiped them on her school uniform.

She opened her mouth to start. But suddenly she didn’t know what to say. Everyone was staring at her, waiting for her to speak. It felt like all the words she had memorized were stuck in her throat. Her stomach felt all twisty.

Then Allyson remembered something. A few weeks ago, her dad had told her a story about how he prayed for the Holy Ghost to help him.

Quickly Allyson said a prayer in her mind. Heavenly Father, she prayed, please help me be calm and do well with my presentation. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

As soon as Allyson finished her prayer, the panic began to melt away. Her shoulders relaxed, and her mind felt clear.

This time when she opened her mouth, the words came easily. “My report is on the early settlers in South Africa in the 1600s,” she said. She shared the facts she had memorized. As she got to the end of her presentation, a feeling of happiness spread through her. She had done it!

Allyson sat down with a smile on her face. Her report wasn’t perfect, but she was really proud of how she did.

“Hey,” her friend Emily whispered from the desk beside her. “You did so good! I thought you hated talking in front of people.”

Allyson laughed quietly. “I thought so too! I just prayed and asked God for help, and He helped me.”

Emily was quiet for a second. Then she whispered, “Wow, maybe I should pray more too.”

As the next student began, Allyson thought about what had just happened. She felt so different after saying her prayer. The Holy Ghost really had helped her feel calm and brave!

Allyson said another quick prayer in her mind. Thank Thee, Heavenly Father, she prayed. Thank Thee for sending the Holy Ghost to help me.