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by brentr 6254 days ago
Stand-up comedy works well also. It helped me to get over my fear of speaking to large groups.
2 comments

Do you have to be funny for this to work? ;)
It sure helps.

EDIT: Do you know what secondhand embarrassment is? Go to an open mic and you are sure to experience it. I've seen some people who thought they were hilarious and were actually a train wreck.

Debate is another alternative. Besides speaking in front an audience it also teaches you how to articulate your thoughts and engage your listeners which is invaluable for presentations and the like.
Yes. You have to pay some attention to the rule set you use (if you are into formal debate). Some commonly used rules can have strange effects and encourage behaviour not useful in presentations.