About 75% of the population suffers from a fear of public speaking.  For the majority of my life, I counted myself in that group too.  In fact, a few years back, I had an awful (now funny) experience at work...The company I worked for at the time used to have monthly meetings everyone was required to attend.  At one of these meetings, they went around the room, and everyone introduced themselves and said what they did.  I was one of the last people to speak and had, by that time, worked myself into a frantic state.  When my time came to speak, I stood up and blurted, "I'm Erika, and I don't know what I do!"  Everyone was there, from the president to my boss to my peers.  Why they didn't just put me out of my misery and fire me right then and there remains a mystery. 

It was that and similar experiences that caused me to, against my better judgement, sign up for a "stand up comedy for business" course taught by Tim Davis (www.timdavisnetwork.com - If you get a chance to attend a presentation or course by Tim, I highly recommend it.  He is brilliant!).  It was one of the most terrifying and wonderful things I have ever done to...err, for myself.  I learned to be vulnerable and laugh at myself when speaking to a group; I learned how to completely bomb in front of people and live to tell about it; I learned to speak with passion; I learned to think on my feet and ad lib (albeit badly) in various situations.  The biggest lesson I learned, however, was that I could learn to be funny and be my kooky self in front of a group - Something I could previously only do one-on-one.  The class ran for six weeks, and by the end, I was a changed person.  I did not fear the thing I had dreaded for years.  Since then, I have given presentations in front of groups I never thought I could.  Granted, I still freak out from time to time, but it doesn't terrify me like it once did. 

I contest that unless you can successfully conquer this fear, it will always hold you back too.  Don't panic though - There are tons of resources out there.  One great way is to join a Toastmasters chapter.  There are thousands all over the place that meet at various times and locations.  It's cheap to join and you can visit a bunch as a visitor.  Check out www.toastmasters.org for more information.  I recommend trying a few different groups to see how you like them as each one has a different culture and feel.  

Another great way is to take on a leadership position with a local charity or professional group.  These groups are typically made up of other volunteers who are just happy you showed up to help out.  Try volunteering to give a presentation or even just stand up and announce stuff.  It's a great way to practice in front of groups without having to embarrass yourself in a work setting.