Many surveys and studies report that speaking in front of a group tops the list of adult fears. We fear public speaking more than we fear heights, dogs, loneliness, financial concerns, and even death. Nervousness in front of an audience can manifest itself in many ways; sweaty palms, rapid heart beat, dry mouth, and any number of difficult-to-control reactions.

The good news is that unless you do something overt like fainting or dropping all your notes, no one in the audience is aware of your nervousness. It's your secret!

Never tell your audience that you are nervous or unprepared. You want to be respected not pitied. And remember, if you don't mention your anxiety, the audience won't notice it.

And don't try to eliminate stage fright. The adrenaline will increase your energy level. You don't, however, want the nervousness to control you. You want to control it. It's all right to have the butterflies in your stomach; just have them fly in formation.

Click Here for suggestions on controlling stage fright.