Hang in there sweetie..I understand how you feel. I used to have a horrible fear of public speaking until I just said to myself..so what if you screw up and freeze up..or forget how to say a certain word..I had to learn to be kinder to myself and know that the key is humor. Practice in the mirror a couple of times and make sure you are completely organized..i know this helps me a lot. Good luck sweetie

You can do this. Almost everyone gets anxiety before a public speech. That is perfectly normal. It's not something we do every day and we should feel nervous. It's also good to face our fears no matter how scary they are. You'll feel good when its all over and you'll be glad you did it.

As Emma said, prepare yourself. Practice. If you have a good friend or even a pet, practice in front of them. It also helps if you have a friend in the audience. That way, you can look at them when you are speaking instead of looking at strangers. Eat a light meal a few hours before the speech. This should keep your stomach empty enough so you don't have to worry about being sick. It will also keep you strong enough to prevent lightheaddedness. You may feel both of these symptoms, but you will be fine. I suggest you refocus your anxious energy into preparation for the speech. You'll feel better the more prepared you are.

Agree practice will make it easier. Practice in front of a mirror

I agree with all of them and and if it's easier for you focus on a friendly face in the audience it will make it easier for you.

Public speaking is always in the top two biggest fears expressed in polling. In other words everyone is afraid to speak publicly. Let me repeat that: everyone has the exact same fear that you do! I am an attorney who has tried a dozen jury cases. In my trial work I have to give two speaches, one at the beginning and one at the end of every case; I have to speak to the judge, to the witnesses, to opposing counsel and to the court staff, all in front of the jury. And I am afraid almost everytime I begin. Here's one thing that I do that helps. I find that once I start speaking and get in a groove, I begin to become less nervous and more confident. So knowing that my audience shares my fear of public speaking, the first thing I say, is, "Boy am I nervous!". You might add, "this is the first time I've ever given a speech and I hope I don't screw up." Then tell a joke. It doesn't have to be a good one; it just has to be an easy one, something that you know you can tell and that will lighten the mood. This one might be a bit racy for your audience, but it makes the point about simplicity: "Why doesn't Santa Claus have any children? Cause he only comes once a year." Then give your speech. Make it about something you know and something you find easy to talk about. You will do fine and even if you mess up, all you will do is obtain the sympathy of all those in your audience who know that they themselves will be in the same spot you are in and they want to be treated the same way you want to be treated. All the best.

Visualize! Vizualize yourself doing a knock-down drag-out job and then become that. Be sure to get plenty of practice, and remember - the audience just wants to hear your great speech! That's all. No more, no less. They don't expect you to be perfect, and they aren't sitting there hoping you'll screw up. You can do it!!!