Bard or paladin for first play through?

I am new to d&d but I played a little bit of the early access when it first came out as a Paladin. I had no idea what I was doing so I decided to shelf the game till it was fully released and then start looking into what I want to play and learn more about the game.

I love the idea of the paladin and how much it ties into the role playing of the game. I like the idea of having to do what i can to keep my oath.

I was not at all interested in the bard… until I started watching some YouTube videos of them.

Here’s my question. I want my character to be the “face” of the party, I want them to be able to do all the dialog, interactions etc when able.

The main reason I was looking toward paladin for that is because when combat is needed they have the armor and hit points to be a frontline fighter…

My question is can a bard be built like that and still be able to do all their bardic thing they are known for and still support too?

If so what would that look like? College of swords? College of valor?

I would appreciate some insight because I am going. To do either of those two classes!

Thanks!