Public speaking is a very common phobia.
If you are fearful of making a speech presentation and the thought of getting in front of a bunch of people, talking to them, and having everyone stare at you makes your stomach sick and your heart race, know that you are not alone.
A lot of people have this fear in common.
If you need to speak publicly, there are things you can do to help you get over your phobia.
The first thing you can do is practice.
If you are well prepared, then you have less to be nervous about.
Practice in front of a mirror, practice in your car, just keep practicing.
If you know that you have your speech memorized, you won't be scared that you'll forget your speech in front of everyone.
The second thing you can do is get support from a friend.
The reality is we are almost always harder on ourselves than other people are on us.
A good friend will help you realize this.
Practice in front of a friend and get their feedback.
If they have any suggestions listen to them and if they insist you did fine, listen to them.
Get encouragement from that friend.
Tell them how scared you are and ask them for advice.
If your friend thinks you did good, then probably your audience will think the same thing.
Your friend wouldn't lie to you would they? The third thing you can do is breathing exercises.
Breathing exercises are a great way to help when we are scared.
Take a deep breath, count to 10, and then slowly let out that breath.
Close your eyes, think pleasant thoughts, and breath deeply and slowly.
Before it's time to make a speech, do your breathing exercises to help with fear.
Remember you know your speech by heart.
Close your eyes, think of a funny or happy time you recently had and breathe as slowly and deeply as you can.