No matter what you do in life, there is one thing that you cannot avoid: public speaking.

Some people do not mind talking in front of groups, while others bask in it.

Then there are many, like me, who dread it.

Senior projects are just starting, and I have some helpful tips to get over the anxiety and cross that last step to graduating.

Tip #1: It’s all about you

Talking about yourself is the main point of the presentation, so there is no need to memorize.

This means that you do not have to worry about forgetting anything or saying the wrong thing because it is your life and you know it best.

Tip #2: No one is laughing at you

Your audience consists of your classmates, your teacher, and your family.

They all want you to succeed, and if they laugh it’s because you want them to. You have been with most of these people for 13 years, so just be yourself.

Even if it is not your senior project, everybody will still be focused on you, and they want to hear what you have to say.

Tip #3: Hydrate

Before giving your presentation, make sure to drink water, but not too much. Find the balance.

You want water so that your mouth doesn’t get too dry, but not so much that you will have to use the restroom in the middle of your presentation.

Tip #4: Confidence is key

If you go into something believing that you will fail, then you will probably prove yourself right. Just having a negative outlook on something can completely ruin it.

However, if you go into your speech believing that you will succeed, then chances are you will.

Tip #5: We’ve all been there

When you’re up there it can be easy to believe that you are the only one in the world who has ever felt scared or embarrassed. You are not.

Everyone suffers from stage fright. So when you are up there, your audience is rooting for you to succeed. The audience wants you to do well.

If you are doing well, you are probably entertaining them, which all audiences want.

No matter what the speech is, remember that public speaking is not going to kill you.

Break a leg.