Does your job require public speaking?

@frequentlyme yea, problem is, my field is so broad. Feel like I should have chosen a different major or find a job where I don't have to speak publicly. I do fine in the classroom though.

@iamnikki Consider this - when you are speaking, regardless of where it might be and to what audience, you have information they need, and therefore, it is in a fashion, a classroom. I seldom went to a class/lecture or public forum to listen to a speaker, where I didn't learn something.

@frequentlyme thank you. This first presentation I have to give is to public health professionals. I am a student with little experience in public health. I don't want them asking me any questions.

@iamnikki I don't know the specific subject, but surely you are not trying to cover public health from A to Z. Find something controversial or arcane. or even something many think is one way, when it's another, and present this factually. Do the research, and be 100% confident in your knowledge. Then, if asked a question, put the ball in their court by saying something like "interesting" or "thank you, as a student speaker I always need to learn new things", and then ask them to further explain x, y, or z. What you will have done is acknowledge their experience and quickly put the ball in their court without looking like you simply didn't know. You will have gained their respect (you pumped them up), and people will recognize your poise. Never ever let them see you sweat... wait, you're a lady. Never let them see you glisten 😉.