On the main floor, about half way up on the left side there is a grated door. If you go on hallway to the left there is a button that will activate an energy shot to open the barred door. The problem is I can fin no way to push the button and get out of the way without my stopping the shot. I tried a speed potion, but that doesn't help. I still can only step 1 square before I get hit by the shot.

What is the trick with getting out of the way of the shot. I have tried 17 times and it really much fun anymore.

I can't go in and check the map at the moment, but is it possible that you've missed a secret door/button, or a movable teleporter that would allow you to evade the shot or to redirect it?

The only thing I can think of is that either you're not moving as soon as you push the button, or you're using up a move to do a turn command.
Just do 2 strafes left and then move forward, turning takes too much time and you won't be able to make it. You'll be needing this multiple times in the game.