I'm always amazed by the number of students who freak out over having to stand in front of a group and talk. In one word, my advice to them is relax.
Second, I'd like to suggest that they enroll in a section of fundamentals of speech. In "fundies," students learn that there is no magic formula for dealing with nervousness. However, they gain valuable confidence and they do learn how to actually make nervousness work for them.
And a "fundies" class is the ideal place to get rid of the fear of public speaking. Your classmates are a friendly audience and, at least in most cases, your instructor is pretty friendly too. Everyone wants you to succeed.
So if you're nervous about speaking in front of a group, relax and check into the next available section of fundamentals of speech course.
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