it’ll be over before you know it
pretend like you’re obama (it’ll help you talk slower)
in a class setting, people don’t typically pay attention anyways so it’s not like your classmates are watching your every move. they don’t care.
bring up a note card with important topics or quotes
make eye contact if you can
or look at people’s hair. it’ll make it seem like you’re making eye contact, but it’ll be less awkward
don’t memorize your entire speech. instead, memorize a couple bullet points of topics you need to hit
project your voice as if you’re speaking to someone sitting in the back of the room
talk with your hands to help you feel more warm and welcoming
don’t put your hands in your pockets
walk around a bit, but let it come organically. don’t force it.
don’t bounce one leg the whole time, it’s distracting
don’t eat a big meal prior
if you have to present for a certain number of minutes, have a friend sit in the back of the room and hold up finger signs for how many minutes you’ve been up there
practice your presentation/speech to a friend or family member who is unfamiliar with the material. if they don’t understand your presentation or don’t follow, you need to be more detailed
stick to the built-in themes on power point. yes, colors are pretty, but some color combos can be hard to read, and you won’t know it until it’s up on a big screen/projector.
put pictures in your power point. they’re more entertaining to look at than a paragraph of text.
speak with formal language. stay away from curse words and slang.
remember that everyone in your class is going through the same stress.
if you absolutely cannot handle the idea of public speaking, talk to your teacher and see if it’s okay for you to do your presentation after class.
