Speaking in front of other people could easily be a topic for the next horror blockbuster film. There are pollsters that can attest that there are a significant number of people in the world who would literally rather die than speak in public. I understand that there may be some anxiety when one has to give a speech; however, it's pretty easy to turn that anxious energy into exhilaration. There's really little reason to be scared if you can just follow these three incredibly simple steps the next time you have to give a speech.
You must believe strongly in your topic. Whether you are talking about the best type of concrete for your basement or why we should not use nuclear power, a high level of enthusiasm is crucial. When you are excited and passionate about something, you tend to forget any insecurities and focus on how to best to implement your ideas.
You must know your topic, inside and out. With knowledge comes confidence. We all know people can be cruel however, it's harder to embarrass someone that has an answer to every question and can counter all opposition. Most people think they can't possibly know everything there is on a given subject and, I am sure that is true but, taking the time to look at the subject from different angles and hypothesizing about possible questions and answers helps you learn and also, makes your speech that much more worthwhile for your audience.
Speaking of your audience, KNOW THEM. This will help you tailor the impression you are giving that you know what you are talking about. If you give a speech about Christmas to a bunch of preschoolers, you better prepare yourself for a great deal of questions about Santa Clause: how does he get around the WHOLE world in one night? How does he know when I act up? If you are giving a speech about Christmas to a bunch of agnostics, you should have at your disposal maybe some biblical passages supporting your belief that this holiday indeed warrants celebration.
So, the next time you find yourself speaking in front of people, take a deep breath and simply have a conversation with them. Tell them who, what, when, where and why and enjoy the opportunity to share and maybe shape someone else's beliefs. You're sure to get rave reviews!
