I remember Speech class over 35 years ago... So nervous. And then I discovered that everyone else was at least as nervous as me!

When you pick your topic, breathe in, breathe out and then summon up some experience/something you've seen at the movies or elsewhere, etc. Or, if you really know nothing about the topic - then go ahead and start by saying you haven't had time to read up on the topic!

To slow your speech down, say something, then tap your foot 3 times. Say something else and repeat the foot tap.

OMG - I'm old - but I have had to go through this stuff so many times in my working life.

It gets better - it really does!

Let us know how it goes.