obviously i dont know your instructor but i would assume that when she mentioned eye contact she really was just looking for MORE eye contact. maybe you dont notice, but can you remember what kind of eye contact, if any, you were making last time? eye contact is very important in oral exams cause it makes the listener more involved. you dont have to stare at them the whole time (constant eye-contact) cause thats just creepy. i try to look people in the eye for a couple seconds at a time, like 7-9 secs and then glance around then look back. it works for me and ive never been told that i have weird eye contact. also im a fidgety person as well and it help sme to put my hands behind my back or clasp them in front of me. i squeeze my fingers a little and nobody seems to really notice. i also gesticulate pretty frequently.
well anyways these are probably things you've been told before but just in case i wanted to share what helps me with you. i used to get sick to my stomach and have headaches before having to speak in front of a class and its not nearly as bad anymore. other people say such stupid crap that even if i do say something a little silly its not that big of a deal in the long run. i know as a college student it is more important but the more you participate the better you'll get.
oh and i too take down notes during discussions and plan out what im going to say, if i have a chance.
