“You have to present this in front of the class.”

Everything was going fine until your teacher said those words and on cue, your nerves rapidly form. Well, fear not, because these tips can help put a stop to these nerves and end up making public speaking easier.

1. Think about why you are so nervous; the fear of being judged? Making a mistake? Don’t worry about what other people are going to think. No one watching your presentation is sitting there hoping that you’re going to fail.

Negative thoughts about what could happen can easily get in the way of the presentation of your material. Whatever crazy scenarios you’ve created about terrible things happening to you while presenting your project aren’t going to happen. Remember, only you can create your nervousness and only you can get rid of it.

2. Make sure you’re prepared. Study the material often, and make an outline or some note cards with the information on it that you can casually look at during your presentation. If you aren’t allowed to use any notes, make sure you know the information like the back of your hand so there’s no chance you’ll freeze up and forget it.

Try practicing in front of a mirror or record yourself and watch it back to know exactly how you sound and what you look like.

3. Know that the people you are presenting to probably can’t even tell you’re nervous. Your legs may feel like they’re not there and your stomach might be full of butterflies, but I guarantee that people don’t even notice. Look confident, smile, stand up straight, and make eye contact with those watching. Even if you don’t feel confident, you will definitely look it, which can help cover up some of the nerves.

At first, it may seem like giving a talk or presenting a speech is the worst thing in the world. But really, no one is going to judge you because everyone is probably as nervous as you are, and everyone is in the same boat. So, next time you’re given the assignment to speak in front of a crowd, just relax. You’re the only one that can calm your nerves, so why get worried?

Nicole Arrison is a Video Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.