Public Speaking

I think it's pretty much the same. That sucks that you were nervous, but I'm glad you were able to overcome it.

That's a good perspective on this situation. I've thought about looking just above everyone's heads too.
It's nice to take things in an optimistic point of view. I'll have to keep that in mind! Thank you!

I've always suffered from social anxiety, so I know all too well how nerves can wreck it. You're already off to a good start being confident on your subject and not being so nervous.
I had to speak in front of hundreds of people a few times in my life, so I'll share what helped me get positive results.

Presentations for class aren't usually as nerve-wracking, because everyone has to do it themselves, so usually they're all going to be a bit more empathetic about it. (I'm assuming it's a class thing and not just a selected rep?) So keep that in mind! Let yourself be yourself-- you want to crack an appropriate joke in there, go for it. It needs to be comfortable for you so it will come out natural and less stiff. That will help you speak more naturally and less fast paced/nervous sounding. Also, as you said, practice it so you're familiar enough to not need to reference your notes so much.

In general, for public speaking tips (like for your valedictorian speech), there's obviously a bit more to it.
When I was in HS I was the student advisory representative for my grade for two years... which for our school was like... hmmm. Well, in short, I was the "voice" for our needs. So I had to stand in front of the faculty and school board a handful of times. I was soooo nervous, because there were cameras and everything. But, it went over well, because before each meeting I would spend a good while psyching myself up! It sounds silly but it helped me a ton. We're our own worse enemies/most critical towards ourselves, so if we tell ourselves we're overthinking and that we're going to be fabulous enough, it sinks in.

Think of it objectively, too. Would /you/ want to sit and listen to what you wrote? Is it enjoyable enough for what it is? Obviously there has to be professionalism and it has to be on point, but to drone on and on without much to catch attention is... dull. Those who sprinkle a little humor in or are a bit more personal and relaxed tend to get better reactions from the general audience. It sticks in their mind better, too.

For the technical side of things, I'm not sure if you've ever heard of the 7Cs of public speaking... but communication's supposed to be clear, concise, concrete, coherent, correct, complete, and courteous.

Actually here's a decent article about that with examples: www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCS_85.htm

Good luck, but I'm sure you'll rock it.

Edit: Just read Kisaka's advice, it's good advice! XD
Something I've had to force myself to learn over the years is to laugh at myself. Find humor in my goof ups, like she said, don't be too critical!

I also forgot a huuuuge thing for any form of speaking (but especially in one on one like interviews), MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT. It's a huuuge deal because it exudes confidence and gains trust. But since you guys are apparently nervous about that like I am, stare at the top of their forehead or something so it looks like eye contact to them but you aren't focused enough to lose concentration lmao

Always happy to help! ^^

*whacks with fan* 
Stahp

Honestly I find just taking a deep breath and going for it works best. Over thinking leads to stress. Just go and do it.

He must have been engrossed in your presentation ;D
Glad to hear it went well!