I can't say that I understand the fear of public speaking because I thrive on being in front of an audience. I know, I'm strange

BUT I do understand the fear and anxiety that comes with dreading saying something to someone you don't know how they'll take the news. I always think the fear of what you've got to say is worse than actually saying it.

I live on a busy street and a business won't allow their employees to smoke on the property, so they smoke on my property. I was TERRIFIED of asking the people to move along and not smoke on my sidewalk. Would they look at me weird? Would they argue with me? Well, weeks of smelling someone elses' smoke, I finally had enough, walked up to an employee, and explained I'm sensitive and would appreciate not smoking. I got much better with each subsequent smoker. Now, I don't hesitate... I just walk up and ask them to move along. The fear of asking them terrified me for weeks. Paralized me from saying what I had to. But it wasn't bad at all..... just like giving a speach. It was the fear of the act rather than the actual act. Make sense? Once you're into your subject you'll be fine. You might even find that you like it too