[ignite]

As someone who did exactly this, and taken others through this, let me assure you the answer is "practice, practice, practice".

Several people below recommend toastmasters. Do it. https://www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club

They have been around for a hundred years, because they are good at it. There's nothing wrong with other approaches, but toastmasters is good at making nervous people comfortable. Toastmasters' meetings have short, improv speeches every meeting, so you can practice the thing you need work on. And you can get feedback, delivered kindly!

Improv is fine, too. I just find it a little scarier to get started in. And it doesn't have as much emphasis on "organize your thoughts". Of course, it's a lot of fun!!

Anything that gives you practice on what you aren't good at is good. Give lightning talks at small users groups. Hell, get a weekend job at Starbucks. Have a friend ask you questions like this, and answer them on your feet. Get up in the morning, and explain something to your mirror. Find the nearest small group of people, and summarize the responses given here!

Practice, practice, practice

[ipnon]

When I was trying out for the state high school orchestra I was so nervous I couldn't speak to the judge. My shirt was soaked with sweat. We never made eye contact, it was easier to try pretending he wasn't there. I had practiced the tune a thousand times. Every scale was completely memorized, every rhythmic variation was a reflex. I had practiced so much practically all I knew anymore was breathing and playing the trumpet. I could have played that tune perfectly if I was in a burning airplane falling out of the sky.

You have to be so good at what you do that it doesn't matter how nervous you are. Focus on the content, and deliver. All the audience wants is a good show. Once you realize you're as good as you're supposed to be, all the anxiety and pressure slowly fades away.

[munbun]

Best advice here. It also takes less practice than you think for stage fright to go away.