[centralnewyorki]

I had to take a public speaking class, and my major was PR, so I have given a lot of speeches. Make sure that you're prepared and your notes are organized. I used to use notecards and have certain words highlight or written in a different color pen to make them stand out- like cue words so that I didn't have to read all of my cards. Before the speech, practice square breathing- breathe in for 4 seconds, hold it for 4 seconds, breathe out for 4 seconds, hold it for 4 seconds... Most of all, don't worry about it! Everyone in the class is in the same position, so they completely understand that you're nervous and not so excited to be giving the speech. I used to do my speeches in the mirror a few times for practice or recite them into a recorder and listen to it a few times before bed. Another thing to think about is the actual length of your speech. Say to yourself "It's only 3 minutes out of my life" or (if it's memorized) "It's only 1,000 words."- that always helped me to put it into perspective. If you're prepared for the speech, there is no reason to be nervous- you'll do great!