Be familiar with the place in which you will speak. Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and any visual aids.

Greet some of the audience as they arrive. It's easier to speak to a group of friends than to a group of strangers.

If you're not familiar with your material or are uncomfortable with it, your nervousness will increase. Practice your speech and revise it if necessary.

Ease tension by doing exercises.

Imagine yourself speaking, your voice loud. clear, and assured. When you visualize yourself as successful, you will be successful.

Audiences want you to be interesting, stimulating, informative, and entertaining. They don't want you to fail.

If you mention your nervousness or apologize for any problems you think you have with your speech, you may be calling the audience's attention to something they hadn't noticed. Keep silent.

Focus your attention away from your own anxieties, and outwardly toward your message and your audience. Your nervousness will dissipate.

Harness your nervous energy and transform it into vitality and enthusiasm.

Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking. A Toastmasters club can provide the experience you need.