The same thing happens to me...I dread speaking in front of people. I think I posted something along the same lines last year. When I said that I'd take the position of the high school orchestra president, the only thing I didn't like about it would be that I'd have to speak in front of people...at the pot luck dinner beginning of the year, two recitals, and about four concerts. The first time I spoke I tried to make a joke out of it and acknowledged that I hate speaking in front of people. I told them that I'd rather be having teeth pulled out! I don't think that I sound good when I'm up there, but other people have said that I seem so relaxed (NOT!) and sound great. It is true that once you do it, it does get easier after that. I never went to Toastmasters but I should. Alot of people have recommended that. I'm on Paxil and Wellbutrin. They seem to help with my anxiety so I'm not as nervous as I used to be. I like to prepare what I'm going to say ahead of time and always have notes with me. On another note, If I'm stressed in general, I find that yoga really helps. ~Lisa