Just about everyone is nervous about public speaking.  For that reason, it is perfectly normal to be worried about meeting a class for the first time.  Talk with your advisor or others in the department about particular things they do to become more comfortable.  Here are a few suggestions:
 

Know the Content

• Know your stuff!  It gives you confidence.

• Read their text assignments.

• Read the assigned topic in another book.  It gives you another approach and new examples to use.

• If you are leading a discussion or lab, attend the lectures.  Get a copy of the lecture notes, if possible.

• Practice explaining the concepts to someone else (your apartment mate, partner, another GA, your pet).

• Videotape yourself explaining something.  Instructional Media Services at the ECTL can arrange videotaping.  Look at it with a kind and trusted friend who can provide helpful feedback.

Know the Students

• Learn student names and something about them immediately.

• Let students know something about you.

• Encourage students to talk with each other.

• Get to the room in time to set up comfortably.  Talk with students as they arrive.

• Walk around the room while students are working.  Talk with them and give them time to ask you a questions.

• Smile.  When you talk, look at students in the eye.  Look at students in all parts of the room.

Anticipate the Unexpected

• Check our your chalk or white board writing.  Examine it from the back of the room.

• Practice all drawings or diagrams.  Check them from the back, too!

• Expect to run out of breath from talking too fast.  Slow down, breathe, and swallow!  Breath some more.

• Bring a water bottle to class and take a drink once in awhile.  Students appreciate the break, too.

• Anticipate that you might need more or less time to explain a concept.  Prepare for each class session by estimating the chunks of time you will need.