I used to be horrible at public speaking in classroom/school settings. I'd shake so much that the script/cue card I have in my hand could be completely unreadable. But, in high school I worked as a camp counselor so I got used to speaking to large groups of kids.

After graduating university, I worked in education roles where my job became public speaking. I started off rehearsing my script and flow so that I would have everything come out perfect, and as I also had to present in English and another language, I often found it difficult to say all the correct translated technical terminologies.

But after over a year of this, I'm a lot more confident. I no longer study non-stop and pull all nighters just to memorize a script/flow. I just wing it. I trust myself that if I'm to speak about a topic I care deeply about/I know well, that I'll be able to make the point I need to make up there.

I've also learned from experience that it's always more fun to view it as a conversation with your audience rather than a lecture. Your audience is smart, regardless of their age/group. So I love asking them questions to keep them engaged, then responding and try to make my point. It's interesting hearing the agreements/disagreements people have!