[throwawayboise]

I think people who really experience no nervousness or anxiety before doing something with a risk of failure either don't care at all, or are just bullshitters (in the Harry Frankfurt definition). It's likely that they are somewhere on the sociopathic spectrum.

[raegis]

I understand your feelings, but I disagree. The first time I stood in front of a classroom (~30 years ago) I was visibly shaking from nervousness. Over the years I've learned that everyone is human, makes mistakes, and sometimes their minds just go blank. Nowadays the only time I get anxiety over a presentation is when I'm not prepared. I think of public speaking not so much as a performance, but as an opportunity to share one or two simple ideas with the audience. Some may receive it well, and some not, but that's true with most interactions. Most nice people won't fault you for trying to be helpful.

Oh, and by the way, I'm not a sociopath :)