Why do I get anxious during group presentations in class and how can I improve my public speaking skills?

I totally get why you're struggling with group presentations - I've been in your shoes before, and it can be really tough to overcome that initial anxiety. For me, the key was to start small and work my way up - instead of trying to tackle a big presentation right off the bat, I started by speaking up more in class discussions and sharing my thoughts with my group. It sounds like you're on the right track by practicing in front of a mirror, but like you said, it's just not the same as the real thing.

One thing that might help is to find a low-stakes way to practice presenting in front of an audience - you could try joining a club or group on campus that involves public speaking, or even just presenting to a friend or family member. That way, you can get used to the feeling of speaking in front of others without the pressure of a big presentation. I also found it helpful to focus on my message, rather than my own nervousness - instead of worrying about how I was coming across, I tried to focus on the points I wanted to get across, and that helped me stay grounded.

It's also important to remember that it's okay to be nervous - it doesn't mean you're not cut out for public speaking, it just means you care about doing a good job. And the more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become - it's like any other skill, it takes time and effort to develop. I'm not gonna lie, it's still not my favorite thing to do, but I've gotten a lot more confident over time, and I'm sure you can too.

So don't give up - keep practicing, and don't be too hard on yourself if you don't see improvement right away. You've already taken the first step by recognizing that this is something you want to work on, and that's huge - now it's just a matter of taking it one step at a time, and being patient with yourself as you grow and develop your skills. Good luck, and I hope you start to feel more confident in your abilities soon!