So turns out I'll have to give "3 professional presentations" for one of my classes next semester. I have no idea what that entails, but I'm assuming a Powerpoint and nice dress. I've got the clothes, now I need to be able to speak in front of the class...It's an accounting writing course, so I'm not expecting drama kids or very well-polished speakers. Anyone have tips or tricks they use to get over the anxiety? I'm MUCH more comfortable speaking in front of people who are NOT my peers, for some reason. Younger people, old folks, anyone but people my age and I'm good. I tend to talk quite fast without much inflection, and my face (ears especially) feels 'beet-red', even though I've been told it isn't actually visible. My only idea so far is to try and separate myself from the other people in the room as much possible, in terms of my mindset. Basically pretend I'm not one of their peers, pretend I'm the professor, or I'm not really in the class, just visiting, etc. Also, putting the speech in context seems like it might help. For example, thinking about just how insignificant it really is, no one will remember it after the next speaker, etc. I took a speech class a few semesters ago, and somehow got through it...so I know I can do it, just not terribly well. Do any of you do something similar? 
I understand practice helps, but you can't exactly give a presentation in any ol' class. Toastmasters is also an option, though everyone there will be older, and thus it won't feel the same.
I understand practice helps, but you can't exactly give a presentation in any ol' class. Toastmasters is also an option, though everyone there will be older, and thus it won't feel the same.
