How do you make someone feel comfortable when they're giving a presentation?

I think the best thing to do is to let them know that you're interested, and that you won't laugh or make fun of them if they trip up a little! :) And if they kinda start to sweat maybe give them a smile that says "Yeah, we've all been there! Don't worry!" And maybe a thumbs up or something! Awwwww, that was nice of you!!!! See? It made her feel better!!! :) Hahaha!

Once the speaker is up there on the podium, the best thing to do is exactly what you did -- let your posture and your facial expression radiate interest and approval. One time I had to sing at a class recital in front of a couple of dozen people. I looked at each one at least once, as I had been instructed to do. When I spotted someone who truly seemed to be enjoying my song, I focused on that person more frequently, and it really encouraged me. When someone has a presentation coming up, and is anxious about it, offer to let them rehearse it with you. My husband once listened to my presentation for a university business class, and seemed interested. After I was finished, he said, "Your talk was great, but you completely forgot to turn the pages of your big flip chart!" My actual presentation went much better than it would have without that feedback.

I think that a mix of not scrutinizing every mistake, and sometimes giving them encouraging remarks goes a long way. As far as nervousness with public speaking, thats kind of on the speakers part to feel less nervous.

Being a part of the Varsity Debate of my school, what helps a speaker the most before presenting is to practice, practice, practice. Initially when starting out as a Freshman, I was literally shaking in my boots and stumbling upon words, because I was just way too nervous and had immense stage fright. But after a while of speaking in front of an audience (whether it be 5 or 50 people), preparation always helped me out the most. I had a friend do the exact same thing you did. The forementioned helps me out the most instead of that "oh my god. what are you doing? You're such an idiot." expression on a person's face or when people laugh and not take you seriously. There's so much value in body language.

Don't look at them.

Give her a valium beforehand.

Being a part of the Varsity Debate of my school, what helps a speaker the most before presenting is to practice, practice, practice. Initially when starting out as a Freshman, I was literally shaking in my boots and stumbling upon words, because I was just way too nervous and had immense stage fright. But after a while of speaking in front of an audience (whether it be 5 or 50 people), preparation always helped me out the most. I had a friend do the exact same thing you did. The forementioned helps me out the most instead of that "oh my god. what are you doing? You're such an idiot." expression on a person's face or when people laugh and not take you seriously. There's so much value in body language.

Once the speaker is up there on the podium, the best thing to do is exactly what you did -- let your posture and your facial expression radiate interest and approval. One time I had to sing at a class recital in front of a couple of dozen people. I looked at each one at least once, as I had been instructed to do. When I spotted someone who truly seemed to be enjoying my song, I focused on that person more frequently, and it really encouraged me. When someone has a presentation coming up, and is anxious about it, offer to let them rehearse it with you. My husband once listened to my presentation for a university business class, and seemed interested. After I was finished, he said, "Your talk was great, but you completely forgot to turn the pages of your big flip chart!" My actual presentation went much better than it would have without that feedback.

I think that a mix of not scrutinizing every mistake, and sometimes giving them encouraging remarks goes a long way. As far as nervousness with public speaking, thats kind of on the speakers part to feel less nervous.