Back in high school presentations were extremely difficult (due to nervousness and shyness). Most assignments I chose not do if presentation was a requirement.
After high school, I spent a good 3 years getting to know myself, with an emphasis on improvement/becoming a better me. So here I am now in college. First group assignment I immediately took the role of presenter (I saw it as a grand opportunity to test myself and hopefully find evidence of improvement). Nervousness isn't a big deal anymore: I can convert it into adrenaline by just taking action, riding the energy, the rest I shake out. Shyness: People tend to mistake me for shy (I AM NOT SHY
), my image is a bit eccentric (ie: people shouldn't try to read me) but I have a great deal of self-confidence.
The end result was my first ever at least good presentation, plus I went first. I was very much the Aspergian (and unaware of the impression I give off, as usual). I do use my eccentricities to make people laugh (ie: knowingly telling a joke in a serious demeanor/monotone voice... is it my facial expressions?). According to a classmate, I express, articulate, and project my voice well, I was surprised to learn that. Overall, what I gained that day, was lessening my disadvantages through intense introspection is possible. In addition I further established myself as a force amongst my classmates: not only am I extremely intelligent, I can also give a presentation just as well as any NTs all while not mimicking them. People tend to underestimate what I am capable of...
You can grow to enjoy presentations as well
It's actually quite easy because I already know what I am going to say, best of all, there are no social games, so I can take action instead over-thinking.