I have a fear of public speaking: glossophobia.
It's something I'm going to have to overcome.
I thought I would tackle it head on last night in my math class at school. We were asked to try a difficult practice problem. The professor said that whoever got up in front of the class and solved the problem correctly would get some bonus points. Fewer bonus points would also be rewarded simply for trying even if the solution was wrong.
I was confident of my solution, but much less so of getting up in front of the class and explaining it to everyone. I've had a fear of public speaking for as long as I can remember. It's much more intense when I'm actually standing in front of a group of people. I have less trouble speaking up when I'm seated with the class.
I'm going into a field where I will probably be required to speak in front of groups, so I'm going to have to find a way to get over this. I do have to take a public speaking class at school. I suppose that might help, but I really need some tips to help me get over this fear.
I made it through my solution in front of the class alright and got the correct answer for maximum bonus points, but I was probably obviously nervous and I stammered a bit. Is this one of those things that you feel more comfortable with the more you do it? Is the key just to speak publicly more often?
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Even in your Public Speaking class, that's what you'll probably spend a lot of time doing, getting up in front of the group and speaking.
You'll get useful tips from the class, but nothing beats just doing it. In time, the nervousness should dissipate, assuming it's not a deep seated phobia, which doesn't sound like it's the case. Toastmasters used to be an organization that helped people deal with this. Don't know if they're still around, but they helped a lot of people. Mostly, that's what they do, have you write a speech and then deliver it to a group.
Congrats on gettin up in front of the class and solving that problem.
One thing to think about is that most of the listeners actually want to hear what you have to say, and generally don't want you to fail. 
But the more you do it, the better you'll get.
I've done a lot of public speaking (mostly to college classes), and I still get nervous at times. Somehow, miraculously, I've survived. You will, too.
The first time is the scariest, but it's all downhill from there. With practice you'll just get better and better. You'll still be nervous at times, but but you'll still deliver your presentation effectively.
This is not something to worry about. You'll be fine. 
It takes changing your internal message and giving yourself a pep talk. Know your material (practice in front of a mirror), and use breathing techniques to stay calm right before speaking. At least that's what works for me.
When I was younger, I would start to speak and feel my throat tighten, like I couldn't get the words out. I'd somehow manage to get through it but when finished, couldn't remember anything I had just said - was a blur. Horrible.
I don't get nervous anymore speaking to small groups. I have learned to make eye contact with my audience, use open body language and 'move' around the room. When I have to speak to large groups, it takes a lot of prep work on my part, but I know what works for me now. It will take time but eventually you'll get more comfortable. Hang in there. 
If only it were as easy as DU. 
Had to make a speech to attain my b.a. degree. I forget the course, but it was my last endeavor, and the title: The Pepsi Generation, that much, I recall. I passed!