Toastmasters International was mentioned in the article. I just finished my Toastmasters “competent communicator” a few months ago. Here are some of my tips fo

Toastmasters International was mentioned in the article. I just finished my Toastmasters “competent communicator” a few months ago. Here are some of my tips for public speaking in general: 1. Breathe! This is easier said than done when you are caught in an anxiety driven feedback loop where your breadth gets more shallow making you even more anxious. Halt this process by taking deep breadths. 2. Limit caffeine. Caffeine exacerbates feelings of anxiety especially in public speaking scenarios. 3. Beware of ruminating and catastrophic thoughts. You don't need to fight or eliminate them. In fact, doing so may make anxious feelings worse. But in a kind and compassionate manner towards yourself, just acknowledge they are there and the role that anxiety may play in those negative thoughts. Moreover, if you really do screwup the presentation, with some time no one will remember. We can recall great speeches but rarely terrible ones. 4. Attend a local public speaking club such as toastmasters (plug here for Speakeasy II here in Boulder, Colorado). Regularly speaking in front of audiences will take you through the desensitization process and over time giving a speech in front of a group of people will seem not so scary.