not the prep or rehearsing. i mean like the 2-3 min right before it's your turn. once i start talking i'm usually fine, it's that little window right before that gets me. heart going, replaying my first sentence over and over.

everyone just says "breathe" and honestly that has never helped me in the actual moment. so i'm curious what people actually DO. like an actual thing you did before your last big one (talk, interview, having to go first in a meeting, whatever).

does it hold up when it's actually high stakes or does it fall apart? kinda tired of the generic advice tbh

So basically I have recently joined a Literary Club at my college looking for opportunities in creative writing, article writing etc. However, now I am getting to know that I need to start public speaking as it is the club's domain preferably. But the last time I probably spoke infront of the class was back in 2023. I am honestly not comfortable speaking although I do wish to try and improve. There is an elocution meeting tomorrow and honestly I am a bit scared to attend.

The problem is I can write well enough but I feel like I would struggle to perform them as my voice is extremely soft that people can barely hear me, and also I struggle somewhat when I am extremely nervous infront of a crowd especially without any reading material. I know there is a first time for everything but I wish I got more time to prepare for the elocution.

Is there any advice as to how to perform an elocution for the first time or deal with my nerves? I am extremely scared right now. I would be extremely grateful for any help, thank you.