Public speaking is tough
Here's two pieces of public speaking advice nobody will tell you about, but actually work.1) Beta-blockers.  Ask your doctor.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.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.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. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tqRyzTvNKEAsk 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.