It's okay to be nervous, but don't let that prevent you from taking this class in college.

Realize everyone has to take public speaking in college. Remember, everyone in your class has to do the same thing. They are just as nervous as you are to stand up in front of a room of strangers and talk about something while everyone will probably be on their phones or not looking at you.

I had people in my class who said this was their fifth year of college because they had been pushing off their public speaking class for as long as possible. Don't become a super senior just because you are too afraid to give a speech.

Keep in mind, no one in your class will actually judge you. People will either be interested in what you're saying, not paying attention, on their phones, or freaking out over their own speech. Your professor has to listen to many students give their speech, so all they care about is that you covered the requirements, looked around the classroom, didn't stutter, and talked within the time limit.

If you do all of that, you'll get a good grade.

It's so easy to do, yet people freak out about taking this class. You're overthinking a simple class. Just breathe, relax, and talk. That's all you have to do. Don't stress out over a course that you can easily do. All you're doing is having a conversation with your classmates and professor.

Your speech isn't going to be broadcasted on live television. Your speech won't appear on the evening news for the whole world to see. Just a classroom full of young adults who only care about getting out of that class for lunch.

One way you can prepare for your speech is by rehearsing your speech many times. First, rehearse it alone many, many times. Then ask a friend or family member to listen to your speech. Sometimes it's harder to say it in front of people you know, so if you can do that, you can do it in front of strangers.

Make your speech something you would want to hear. Add expression, maybe some humor. If you make it something good, you'll want to stand up and give your speech and not dread it as much.

Wear comfortable clothing when giving your speech. You don't want to be uncomfortable standing up there wondering what everyone is thinking of your outfit or how you look. If you tend to shake or get goosebumps when you are nervous, wear a sweater or a long-sleeved shirt. I did this and it really helped contain all of my nerves.

In your speech, talk about something you know. If you can't choose the topic, always relate whatever you are talking about, back to your own life and experiences. It's a lot easier speaking about something you know a lot about and are passionate about.

It's okay to use your hands and walk around the room. When you are practicing your speech, pretend it is a performance. Go over how you will use your hand gestures in your speech. Practice walking around the room. Maybe when you talk about one thing in your speech, you walk over to the left side of the room. Then, when you mention a different point, you walk over to the right side of the room. Just make it like a dance routine, so that every time you rehearse your speech, you'll do it the same every time.

Memorize your speech. If you memorize it, you will avoid using filler words like "um" and "like," which will make your speech sound better.

Be confident when you go up there. At least look confident. It's okay to be nervous and scared. It's not a natural thing for most people, but it is a very necessary skill to have.

You'll be okay. Everyone gets through it. No, you won't die. You talk to people every day in your life. Now, you just have to talk in a classroom. Don't wait five years to take an easy class. You'll be a better student after taking public speaking, and you'll feel a lot more confident in your speaking skills.