1. Don't doubt yourself.
I probably could not count on even one hand the times I actually believed in myself throughout my lifetime. That is probably why I struggle so much with talking in front of crowds. The fears of messing up or what people will think of always cloud my judgment and it makes me a nervous wreck. You can't go through life always afraid of messing up or getting humiliated because like it or not it will happen eventually and you have to just brush it off and know that it happens to us all.
2. Always be yourself.
A lot of time I will avoid people just so I do not have to confront them. I constantly worry what people think about me, if I will hurt their feelings, or if they even want me to talk to them at all. I have to consistently remind my self to just be myself and if that person does not like it than it does not matter and just move on. When it comes to making a presentation in class make sure to try and keep your personality in it and stop caring what others think about your speech. If you put your heart and soul into your work that's all that matters.
3. Prepare.
The more you practice the easier it will be. The less organized and prepared you are the more stressed you will be. If you are already super nervous to talk in front of people the stress of being underprepared will only make it 5 times worse. Out of my own experience, every time I prepared the way in advance I was always more relaxed when the day came when I had to present. I would be so prepared that the words and thoughts would easily flow out and all I would have to worry about was the numerous eyes staring at me.
4. Start small.
Public speaking is not really a talent it is a skill. However, because some people are shyer than others some might have to work at it harder. If you are someone who absolutely hates speaking in public more anything in the world like me then you might it to take it slow at first. If you have a big presentation for a class coming up start on it early so you can first practice in front of a group of family or friends. Also try to step out of your comfort zone by being the first to say something in a conversation, introducing yourself to strangers, or even talking to people you normally don't.
5. Have a friend help you practice.
I always have a blast at being the practice dummy when my friends are practicing speeches or presentations. When around close friends all the silliness of speaking in front of people doesn't effect you can focus on the real important part, the actual assignment.
6. Stay calm.
The worst part of speaking in front of people is the few moments right before you start. I start feeling dizzy and my hearts starts racing out of control which makes me freak out even more because i know I am about to make a fool out of myself. The best thing I have found that helps me is keeping the mind set of it's no big deal. I also try to remind myself that no actually cares about what I am going to say. I could not tell one a single presentation I have heard over the years by former class mates.