Summarize the following:
Try not to let your nerves overcome you before you speak. Whenever you start to feel nervous, start thinking about your talking points instead of thinking about what could go wrong. Then, refocus your mind back on your material. Accept that you will make some mistakes. Embracing the fact that everyone makes small, recoverable mistakes when they speak will help you feel less nervous and keep you from making larger, more critical mistakes. Most minor mistakes won't even be noticed. If you make a minor mistake like mispronouncing a word or skipping a small part, don't stop your presentation or start backtracking. This can interrupt your flow and make you even more nervous. Correct the mistake if you notice it right away. Otherwise, just move on. Close your eyes, inhale deeply by breathing into your abdomen, count slowly to three, and exhale fully. Repeat the process until you feel calmer and you can focus on your points instead of your nerves. This is an especially helpful tool to use right before you have to speak. Actors say and do things onstage that they would never imagine saying or doing in everyday life. That's because actors are playing a character. Think about yourself as a character who is a lot like you, but is really comfortable with public speaking. Play that character when you have to talk in front of your class. This helps some people because when they are playing a character, it is easier to take risks knowing that if you mess up, it's the character that will get the blame, not you. Being an actor is a "fake it until you make it" approach. Play someone who is collected and confident. Given enough time, your confidence will stop being fake. You've worked hard to make sure that this speech goes well, so show it. Your classmates will appreciate watching someone who has a bit of fun with the material. The more enthusiastic you are, the less likely they are to notice minor errors and missteps. Congratulate yourself for having the courage to get up in front of your peers. You will always be harder on yourself than anyone else. Ask yourself what you could do better next time. You can even make a list. Try writing down two positives of your presentation for every negative. This way you can focus on areas where you need to improve without feeling like the whole speech failed.
Stay calm on the big day. Try deep breathing exercises. Be an actor while you speak. Do your best and have fun. Reflect on your speech but don't dwell on mistakes.