Up Against the Odds

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

​​Is there anyone out there who actually LIKES doing presentations?! Be it school or otherwise?! I sure don't. But I found a way to quell my nerves for the most part. Right before I do a presentation for a class, I do two things: prepare what I'm going to say (obviously), and get into a “wrestler” state of mind. And by that I mean, I treat any presentation like a wrestler would a promo. If I treat in that way, it makes it so much easier to do.

This past week, I had to take part in a debate for my government and politics class on the topic of the NSA tracking our emails and whatnot (I was in favor of it). It was these two girls against me and a partner who I was randomly assigned. As I was ready to go up, the kid I was supposed to do the debate with remained where he was.

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​ He told the teacher that he didn't have anything prepared because he didn't know it was happening on that day (we didn't have any contact with each other but I figured he'd prepare on his own like I did).

So, I said to hell with it and told the teacher I'd go it alone and that I could find for myself. I didn't have any anger toward the kid because I honestly didn't really care; I knew I could I do it by myself and knew I'd do a better job that way anyway. It was as if my tag team partner bailed on me before the bout even began, turning the tag team match into a Handicap match. Yet, somehow, I survived and came within victory.

As it turned out, it went pretty awesome. I didn't “botch” anything I had to say, we had a good back-and-forth, and I had a little fun in the process.

No victors were named, but I walked away from it feeling confident. I don't even like politics and I felt like that was one of the better presentations I've ever done. Part of that had to be due to the fact that I was wearing my Magnus shirt that day and that I got myself EXTRA amped before the debate by rocking out to music and listening to promos that got me fired up, right? ;)

We all get nervous. Some more than others, but there will be at least one thing in life that you will get nervous about. And the second you let your nerves get the best of you, you've already lost. The ket is in conquering those nerves and OWNING them. Personally, I like to channel my inner “wrestler” when doing presentations or interviews or whatever. Do whatever works best for you. And always look for ways to improve.

Least but not least, when it appears you may be up against the odds, ALWAYS persevere. Nothing is impossible unless YOU make it impossible. Even if you have everything going against you, something can be said for someone who goes down swinging following a strong effort. Don't that bring you down. Rise above and prove the world wrong!