Your classmates are staring at you, your teacher is staring at you… and you’re staring at your slideshow, trying to remember the words you memorized last period. You should’ve started this project earlier, but there’s no going back now. No matter how many times we put ourselves in this situation, it’s like we never learn. I know I can speak for many people when I say that my poor work ethic isn’t subject to change in the foreseeable future. If only there were ways you could ease your nerves without going through the tiresome process of bettering yourself. Luckily for you, I have some tips.

Whether it comes to meeting the parents or attending job interviews, dressing to impress can make a huge difference. The same goes for presentations. Teachers are often pleased when students make an effort to look presentable for projects, and some even go as far as to make professional attire a requirement. But don’t forget to keep yourself clean. There’s no shortage of people walking around the halls with drinks in hand, so you never know when someone could send a coffee flying in your direction. And don’t even get me started on the cafeteria. With so many people surrounding you, you might just end up with someone’s meatball sub down the front of your shirt. Keep a Tide pen (or five) on hand.

If you’re worried about knowing what to say, do not fret; notecards are an easy fix. Unless your teacher banned them, then there’s no saving you. You can write down key words and phrases that’ll help you convince your class that you’ve looked at the material more than once. Make sure to hold on to your cards, though! I know all that stress will have you sweating, so there’s a good chance you’ll drop your notecards or get them wet enough to smudge the words. If your class starts laughing, don’t worry. Public humiliation is one of the many consequences of living. When all else fails, stare blankly at your class and call it performance art.

The last tip I have for you may be the most imperative: communicate and cooperate with your group. There’s bound to be conflict in all group settings, but there’s no room for that in school. You can’t risk a bad peer review. What would happen to your grade if your group mates had bad things to say about you? And above all else, make sure everyone shows up. A group project with no group doesn’t bode well. But hey, you might make some good friends along the way! Or not. 

Maybe Murphy was right after all. Anything that can go wrong will go wrong. No matter what you do, you can’t predict the future; all you can do is hope for the best and prepare for the worst.