To get over my fear of public speaking, I joined my high school debate team. I wasn’t a great debater but joining that club allowed me to get comfortable speaking in front of crowds. Still not great at smaller social gathering (that’s a work in progress), in front of an audience I’m okay.
3 things that work for me:
- Know what you’re going to talk about but not exactly how you’re going to talk about it.
- Have a “map” of your speech to know where the important points and how they connect.
- Practice before, even if it’s just in your head. Aloud is best, but a quiet moment also okay.
These points have worked for me but I have also typed out entire talks when I had a time limit or was speaking on behalf of a group where the specifics of my speech were more important than the style.
I have bombed. I have been stiff and robotic.
BUT I have also done well and gotten better over time. I won’t ever be a GREAT public speaker but I’ll get by.