The trick to public speaking is to stop memorizing

Being comfortable will affect how you speak and how you remember your presentation.

• When you practice, stand up, then speak, even if you plan to present sitting at a desk in front of a webcam.
• Try recording yourself and then playing it back, listening to your own voice while standing and walking.

Close your eyes and envision your presentation unfolding in a familiar space such as your home or hiking path.

As you walk through your presentation, imagine putting different key ideas in certain locations in your imaginary route—for example, a catchy introduction at your front door and surprising results in your study. Practising your presentation in this way can help you more easily recall your points.

We feel compelled to memorise because public speaking makes us nervous, making us worse at remembering a memorised script.

Research shows that being excited can improve performance and confidence.

• Try to flip your inner anxiety dialogue to excitement, such as getting to share something of value with your audience.
• Visualise yourself being excited about giving your presentation. A day or two before speaking, close your eyes and imagine your most engaged, excited self and how you confidently deliver your presentation.