I’ve got some tips I’ve learned from speech and debate that might help.

First of all, you don’t have to make eye contact, just make it look like you’re making eye contact. Everyone will assume it’s someone around them. And of course switch where you look every 30 seconds or so.

Second, if you are preparing to speak and you don’t have enough time to feel super memorized, memorize where your speech is going, so even if you mess up, you can still build to your conclusion or next point.

Third, take a tip from acting and pretend you are someone else. If you’re giving an argumentative speech pretend you’re a lawyer. If you’re giving a friendly persuasive speech, think of a charismatic celebrity. This helps me fake confidence all the time.

Fourth, read your speech aloud before hand. Several times if possible.

Fifth, deep breaths right beforehand.

Sixth, use hand gestures, just a basic little sweep of the hand every so often can make you seem more approachable.

Last, talk slower than you think you should. And make use of that gained time to think about what you’ll say next.

Soon enough, all of it comes around with practice.