How I Learnt to Talk In Front of People

This post has been updated at 16/05/2013.

Until recently I've been really afraid of public talking. Every time I was supposed to present something in front of people, I started blabbering and freaking out. I decided to break it and now finally, I have succeed!

The reason I was so afraid of it was that I really hated when other people could see my mistake. I was so afraid of it that I just couldn't speak. I've been terribly stressed, I started blabbering and freaking out.

After I screwed up two times I realised that nothing happened! Even if you screw up, people won't laugh at you, so just be cool and don't worry.

A lot of people have this problem and I believe most of them probably for the very same reason as I used to have. If you are one of them, you have to learn to deal with it: it's absolutely crucial not just for talking publicly, but for doing business or really building any kind of relationship. If you aren't willing to admit your mistakes, your customers won't like you and neither will others.

I have to say I feel really good about it. It took a lot of my energy, but finally I can do it and I actually really enjoy it! In past weeks I've been giving talks for various technical events include one talk for university and I always received good feedback. The next step for me is to talk on a bigger conference. I'll probably start with a lightning talk first, but now I know I can do it.

What about you guys? Are you afraid of talking in front of audience? Or have you ever been?