Sorry, I didn't know where else to post this..But I have a STRONG phobia of speaking infront of a group of people! I HAVE to take speech class as part of the basics in college and I cringe at the thought of it. I literally about have a heart attack when I speak infront of people, even if it just saying my name or introducing myself in class or something. I get all hot and sweaty and my voice shakes and I get REALLY red! So I can't hide it. I'm trying to get out of it as much as I can, they had one over the internet this summer but I was too late at trying to get in it unfortunately. I dunno HOW u take speech as an internet course, but I'll never know b/c i missed that one. Help tho! How can I fight my fear?! I'm not a REAL shy person or anything, but I just CAN"T do the talking infront of people.

I found a great website that provides information about how to conquer your fear of speaking in front of groups.

You have to change the record with the lies on it, which you are playing over and over in your head. Make the following revelations. First, you just spoke to me, and none of those terrible bodily symptoms occurred. Second, your audience is a friendly audience, because they do not want you to be unfriendly when it is their turns to speak. Third, you can talk to your professor about your concerns so that he does not interrupt you and cause you, as you merely imagine incorrectly, to fall apart. Fourth, it is soooo simple to practice by approaching a few strangers usually in the supermarket where you feel comfortable or on public transportation. Hop to it! Bonus: begin your speech by holding up a sign which reads, "I will not be intimidated!" This will make everyone laugh so hard that you will get a grade higher than you expect, if this be possible, and no matter what you do wrong, if anything, you will get a B+ or better. Now, if this is a lie, then I stink in making true prophecies.

ok, I REALLY do need help! My boyfriend even noticed yesterday when we were at the store. I was checking out and the cashier JUST asked me for my driver's license and i turned beat red! IT's SO obvious when I get the least bit flustered, I turn REALLY red, not just a little blushing, my face looks like I have a HORRIBLE sun burn. I don't want this to happen every time I get up to make a speech. Why am I so afraid?? I really do need help!

Yep... I have the same problem although it sounds like you might have worse physical effects. I mostly avoid speaking in front of groups these days, but I have gotten better over the years.

I recommend talking to people about your fear and letting some people in your class know that you have this fear. I found it a tremendous relief to just get it off the list of taboo subjects... I CAN'T SPEAK IN FRONT OF GROUPS. So what? Do you know how many people share your fear? Almost everyone on the planet, but you are one of the unfortunates that gets physical effects.

So... the idea of being open about your problem makes it easier to deal with when you start to have effects. If I started to shake I would just stop for a moment and take some deep breaths and possibly put my hands in my pockets or on something solid. If my voice started to shake I would take a drink of water... but be careful because if you're shaking the water drinking can be quite risky

As far as sweating and redness... just make sure you wear clothing that you feel will not show the sweat or redness as much. Try to use the clothing to minimize the effect. I have a friend who used to (and probably still does) get hives on her neck when she spoke in front of a group... she is a lawyer now and has to speak before judges all the time. What she did was wear a high collared shirt on any day that we had to speak.

I tried a lot of approaches and never really found a way to make speaking in front of groups a good experience, but I've come to not be embarrassed about it and that has helped. I now know that there are very few people who do not feel like they are in a fish bowl when they are speaking to a group...

Try breathing exercises and really know your material... BUT do not run yourself ragged trying to do the speech perfect. Sometimes I would run a speech through my head to the point where it was not letting me sleep properly and stuff. It isn't going to be perfect so don't put pressure on yourself to make it perfect... just get it over with was always my approach.