Does the thought of delivering a speech to a room full of people make your palms sweat, your knees knock and your stomach flutter? If so, you're not alone. As a matter of fact, public speaking is the No. 1 biggest fear in the United States — and actually ranks higher than the fear of dying.
The following are a few tips to help you overcome stage fright and get ahead at work by mastering the art of public speaking:
Be Prepared: Don't ever walk into a presentation or other public speaking situation unprepared. If you already get nervous in front of people, the worst thing you can possibly do is to make yourself more anxious by not knowing exactly what you're going to say. Write a specific outline of your presentation or speech and practice it numerous times before the big day. Ask friends or family members to watch you practice and give you tips on how to improve your presentation.
Fool the Audience: Never let your audience know that you're nervous. Even the best speakers in the world sometimes get apprehensive, but they do their best to hide their anxiety. The most effective way to look confident is to make eye contact with members of the audience as if talking to a friend. You should also practice speaking clearly without using "ums" or "likes."
Practice Makes Perfect: As with any skill, public speaking takes a lot of practice. As much as you may detest the thought, you should take as many opportunities as possible to speak in front of people. Volunteer to make announcements at staff meetings or to introduce new employees. The more you practice public speaking, the more comfortable you'll be and the better you'll get.
Critique Yourself: Tape yourself practicing your speech. This way, you can watch your presentation and look for areas of improvement. Sometimes, speakers don't even realize they're making awkward gestures or speaking unclearly until they actually watch themselves.
Seek Out Professional Help: Some need extra help when it comes to public speaking. Enroll in a public speaking class or a speaking association such as Toastmasters to work on gaining confidence and improving your skills.
Anyone who works in the business world will inevitably have to speak in front of a group of people. Sooner or later, you're going to have to present a new product or service during a meeting, train a group of new employees or make an announcement at a trade show. Therefore, it's best to tackle your fears and start preparing now. 
