The key to overcoming stage fright is preparation, no matter what the context is in which the stage fright is occurring. You might be called upon to give a talk or presentation, you may actually be on stage in a play, or you might be simply standing up to say something at a meeting. In all cases, you need to be prepared.
If you are expected to give a speech or presentation, preparation entails knowing what you are talking about and organizing it properly. This is really not all that different from writing an essay. You need to do some research, generally, and then have a little outline with your main idea and supporting points. Practice your speech with a friend or even in front of a mirror. When you know what you are talking about and have organized and practiced, you will be amazed at how little stage fright you feel.
If you are in a play, you need to memorize your lines and cues. These, too, should be practiced, at rehearsals, with a friend, or in front of a mirror. All actors must do this kind of preparation. When you know your lines and cues, the stage fright goes away.
If you wish to speak at a public forum of some kind, again, know what you are talking about. You can jot down a few notes before you speak, a brief outline, or key phrases that you want to use. If this is unexpected, that is probably the most preparation you will be able to do, but even this little bit helps a great deal.
As someone who argued in front of appellate judges for twenty-five years, as someone who now teaches daily, and as someone who is essentially a shy person, I can tell you that it is preparation that has always enabled me to stand up and say what I need to say, without shaky knees or a pounding heart!
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