Being anxious whenever you have to present in front of a whole class is so normalized. But when you come to college, you don't think about these things. You are still being graded for your performance and how well you do up there. In reality, it is such a helpful skill to start practicing before you graduate.
Even with topics I am confident about or not, I still get nervous. Every time I have to present, I do something different to see what calms me down and makes me present better. I've noticed that I have been better at making sure I look and sound confident. In a previous presentation I had, I was so nervous but made sure I was participating in the presentation before me so I can calm myself. Once I was up there, I made small talk and ask the audience questions that lead to my presentation. Example: "Raise your hand if you drank Pespi within the last week. Raise your hand if you know what Chat GPT is. Etc..." It got the audience moving and relaxed me much more when easing into my presentation.
When I was a Freshman in college, I was told by my peers that they thought I was an upperclassman because of how confidently I spoke, especially being a social butterfly. But in all honestly, before any event, anything that requires socializing, I literally take minutes to myself to have the courage to go. I've grown to basically force myself to be uncomfortable in these settings so I can be more confident in the long run. I'd suggest anyone try it too. Like someone once told me, "You won't grow until you are uncomfortable."
This is such great advice. I know I definitely get very nervous presenting and never really know what to do. I will have to try this and see how well it works.
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