Hey greekboi; I have a question. Is the issue that you are nervous about messing up the presentation and/or embarrassment.

Or do you feel like it is a physical issue where you literally are so terrified that you cannot breath / think straight. And is physically terrifying to the point of thinking you might have a heart attack?

Also if it is the later; do these symptoms happen on other occasions or only when public speaking?

Btw; seeing as you are in college; I think it would be a good idea to take a public speaking course. I took one when I was in college (I didn't have a choice); but afterwards I was very glad I did. It really helps you develop a sense of rhythm when speaking. Not only that but it teaches you how to avoid things that make you nervous and make you look nervous; so that you will look comfortable to the audience in any situation. It also uses techniques where you are put outside your comfort zone but it's ok because everyone in the class is put on the spot as well. It allows you to learn in an environment where there is no topic and no pressure; so you can focus on your fears of public speaking. Anyway; I definitely would recommend doing one.

Also if you find that you are having a very overpowering physical reaction that causes you to think something might be wrong with you (aka heart attack etc); let me know. I also have experience dealing with anxiety/panic attacks at an early part of my life. Trust me I know what you are going through. It is all possible to overcome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W45DRy7M1no

Feel better?

so we all agree public speaking goes smoother over time

....wellllllll, not always maybe :P

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0ZoZ-8EKGQ&feature=related

greek imo the reason this wasnt hard for you in hs is that you knew the people better or there were less people or you were smarter than most anyways something that allowed you to feel you had more power/control. now in college, its more an equal playing field so you have to step out of your comfort zone.

anyways i work with college students daily. one thing that people tend to learn in college is that when they step outside their comfort zones or look at things from a different perspective, that is where they grow the most as a person and expand their capacities as humans. this lesson allowed me to go from a very shy person to someone who can converse with anyone and is successful in the sales industry.

pardon my lack of fluent thought. i hope you understand my point and that it allows you to be able to step outside your comfort zone

take some improv classes

do a few lines of coke or take xanax. my mom had a script for xanax when i was in high school and if i was ever nervous about anything i could take one and i'd feel awesome. generally your game is a lot better on xanax too (mine was back then anyway)

you can't get over it by yourself
it's natural for you to feel anxiety when having to speak in front of people. Too many people just try to suck it up and their presentations and/or projects suffer from it.
If I were you, I would go to the speaking center that is at your school. I know they can offer useful tips on how to deal with things like this.
Obviously, the more comfortable you are with the material, the less anxiety you will feel, but there are so many other things and steps you can take to lessen your anxiety even more.
good luck
I use to shake really bad, when performing and/or singing, because I had a fear of my penis hanging out of my pants!, but, through a seminar, I learned things I can do to get rid of the "shakes" and to get over my fear and it actually worked for me! But everyone's different and you have to find your own way.

jerkoff

Errr I can relate..... I was giving a speech a few semesters ago and i just choked..... I started shaking so bad to the point where everyone was watching my legs, I had to ask the professor to let me do my speech another time..... lol so mortifying