The trick is not to focus on any of this, but to focus on preparation and then on the real thing. Do you think you're afraid to talk in front of other people? Guess what? The average person says 15,000 words per day. Unless you're in solitary confinement, those words are spoken to other people, sometimes two, three or more at the same time. You speak to family, friends, fellow students, and co-workers. You're already a public speaker, and you can help yourself gain more control over the situation by remembering...

Some people might call it a good luck charm. Michael Jordan wore his old University of North Carolina shorts under his NBA shorts in every game. Wade Boggs always ate chicken before he played. Control, even in these seemingly small and strange ways, gives us confidence to face the public-speaking situation, over which we do not have total control. Stuff happens. But when we're prepared and confident, we can deal with it.
Television newsman Edward R. Murrow once said, "The best speakers know enough to be scared…the only difference between the pros and the novices is that the pros have trained the butterflies to fly in formation."

If you're nervous before a presentation, remember you're in good company. Everybody feels that way. Prepare, practice, and get control. Then spread your own wings and fly.