I have never had that fear - I have been told by others that I am just not normal. But I have been speaking in front of people since I was 5 years old. When we were 5 (okay, I was *almost* 5), my friend Cassie and I had speaking parts in the Children's Sunday pageant-of-sorts in church. My mom told me someone said to her "Mrs. C is having two 5-year-olds speak? Is she crazy?" and my mom just said "You don't know these two particular 5-year-olds!"

What I tell others is focus on the exit sign at the back of the room, smile at it, talk to it, and everyone will be fooled thinking you're speaking to someone right behind them. And you won't have to look at anyone's face. Remember to breathe deep enough to feel your ribs expand, and speak slower than you think is right, and it'll be just fine.