Even if you aren't required to take a course on it, public speaking is still very likely to be one of your biggest fears. Approximately 74 percent of Americans suffer from speech anxiety according to the National Institute of Mental Health and it is no mystery why. Strangers staring at you, listening to your every word, formulating their own opinions about you and questioning everything you're saying; good thing your Public Speaking course is most likely not this intense. I'm here to debunk a few myths about your future Public Speaking course and give a few pointers on how you can face this fear head-on!

First off, I'd like to clear something up that many students seem to think is true. You won't spend a lot of time actually performing speeches. Preparing for them takes up most of the time including learning the type of speech you'll be doing, how to structure a speech and actually planning it out amongst other things. In reality (if your Public Speaking course is similar to mine) your speeches will only be about five to seven minutes long, and it isn't like you'll be giving one every week. So remember: your Professor forcing you in front of the class and expecting you to give an A+ speech every week is not going to happen.

Now, let's go over some pointers on how to conquer Public Speaking!

1. Make at least one friend in the class. If you don't already have a friend in your class, it would be in your best interest to make one. They can be extremely helpful both in and out of class. When I was taking Public Speaking, I had many friends, but my helping hand was my good friend, Cam. During speeches, Cam and I would always look to each other for a friendly face and reassurance to keep going. Also, outside of class, we would help each other write and rehearse our speeches. These are just a couple of examples of why you should make a friend in your Public Speaking class.

2. You're having a conversation. One way that people (not just students) go wrong in giving speeches is trying to be extremely proper, which often causes them to screw up more. Don't talk like you're giving an essay, talk like you're having a conversation.Smile, make jokes, throw in a little sarcasm and it's okay to say the occasional "so . . ." or "um . . ." Everyone does it. Showing an open personality while still keeping your speech under control is a sign of a good speaker.

3. The other people sitting in class don't really care about your speech. Although this may sound a little harsh, it's actually a good thing. Just like you, they're looking to get their speech done and over with, they aren't terribly concerned with your speech. Even if you really mess up, it has no impact on their life and, in fact, they're probably sympathizing with you. So realistically the last thing you need to worry about are your fellow classmates, so you can rest easy now.

4. Stand still, don't stand stiff. This will take a little more training than other things you'll need to know, which is why I'm putting this here so you can start practicing early. First off, stand still. Occasionally walking a few steps to the right or walking closer to a table of students for emphasis is encouraged, but try your best to keep your feet at least partially planted. Don't cling to anything, don't swing your feet or arms and don't pace. Second, don't stand stiff. A little confusing, I know. This means no locked joints, and although good posture is noted, too good posture might knock points off your grade. Also, keep your hands free. Occasional controlled hand movements are another big sign of a good public speaker.

5. Lastly, don't take yourself too seriously. By combining all of the previous tips I've come up with this last tip. It is important to remember that at the end of the day, it is just a class. Your life won't end because of your public speaking class, and most professors can be pretty generous with grades because, even if you don't believe it, they know it's hard for people to speak publicly (gasp!). Even if you gave a horrible speech, or you started crying while giving a speech, or even if you had to drop the class because you had a bad grade, just remember this: but did you die, though?

I don't hope to miraculously cure your fear of public speaking with this article, I know that no matter what I or anyone else says some people will always be afraid, but I hoped to at least quell some of your fears of your Public Speaking course.

Good luck!