Public speaking is tough
Here's two pieces of public speaking advice nobody will tell you about, but actually work.<p>1) Beta-blockers.  Ask your doctor.<p>2) Alcohol.  Obviously, be careful with this. :) But having a drink really will take the edge off.  This works better when giving a toast as a best man than it does at work.  It could probably work at a conference too.<p>Other than this, for a big talk or pitch, I just practice until I'm blue in the face, then I practice some more.  If you experience a fight or flight response, your brain cannot think straight, but you can fall back on something that has become rote long enough for you to regain your footing.<p>After 30 seconds or so, your body will start to calm down, you just have to make it through that 30 seconds without pulling a Michael Bay. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tqRyzTvNKE" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tqRyzTvNKE</a><p>Ask HN: I was thinking the other day, someone should make an Oculus Rift app that is just a giant conference room of people staring at you.  People with stage fright could use this to practice public speaking and hopefully improve.