How to get over anxiety so I can host a webinar?

June 22, 2020 4:33 AM

I need to get over my fears so I can host a moderated panel event this week. Complication: I used to have a stalker and the group I'm representing has haters.

Later this week, I'm hosting a moderated panel/interactive Q&A. The topic is about housing rights and the panel will have local legal experts, an elected representative and someone from a non-profit who offers support and resources.

I'm having a lot of anxiety about the event, and I'm hoping for some tips to get over it. If these were non-COVID times and we were hosting the event in-person, I don't think my anxiety would be as high. But it will be a YouTube/Facebook livestream and the recording will be made available.

I'm particularly worried about an audience of 'haters' who could troll the livestream and judge me. The advocacy group I represent educates people (who are often disadvantaged) on their legal rights and the resources available to them. This is clearly threatening to some people in power as we have regularly attracted negative attention from investors and their lobby groups.

Also, about five years ago my ex stalked me and my family. It resulted in a no-contact order. They have mostly stayed away but over the years they have done subtle online things that seem designed to make me aware they're still around and watching me. For example, recently trying to join the advocacy group.

I could probably have another volunteer step in and host, but I really want to get over this. I've spent a lot of the past few years in hiding, locking down every social media account and being very careful about what I say publicly. I don't want to be like this forever.

Mainly, I need to get better at not caring what other people think, particularly those whose opinions I don't respect. How do I get over my fears?

posted by Pademelon to Human Relations (4 answers total)

The thing about being a moderator is the audience is really there to see/hear the experts. You’re just there to keep things moving along and organized. For some reason this deflection helps my anxiety when public speaking/moderating to take the pressure off me. Also, if there is a disturbing troll attacking you during the live event, instead of getting flustered you can pretend there is a technical glitch, pause your camera, take a breath, and return. Everyone attending totally expects 5 seconds of glitch now and then. Use it to your advantage if you need a breather.
posted by Jason and Laszlo at 5:00 AM on June 22, 2020 [1 favorite]

It makes sense to be on edge about this! I'd take technical and procedural precautions to cut down the chances of something weird happening: If your haven't already, adjust webinar settings so everyone is on mute / no video when they join. Maybe see if you can have people submit questions in writing instead of chiming in spontaneously. Assign a co-host to help you manage questions and participants.
posted by beyond_pink at 5:06 AM on June 22, 2020 [1 favorite]

Rather than just getting over your fears, I’d look for support from people to face them. I would find two volunteers to serve as troll bouncers, and kick out any haters. Also tell the crowd to message the group if they are getting trolling comments. That strategy really helped at a recent town hall I was at and trolls were id’ed and kicked out quickly before they could do much damage. Good luck!
posted by Pretty Good Talker at 5:43 AM on June 22, 2020 [12 favorites]

Is there an actual need for live chat or comments on the feed? If not, absolutely turn them off, that'll solve the worst of the troll problems. (This has come up in events I've been participating in recently, both as a panelist and a moderator.)
posted by Narrative Priorities at 7:34 AM on June 22, 2020 [4 favorites]