Getting nervous before doing your piece with a lot of people is just a normal feeling
. It will just fade away as you continue talking and you become comfortable with the crowd. However, if the tensed feeling does not fade and you stand up there speechless and motionless like being hit with a cell phone stun gun then this could ruin your moment. You would lose the chance of your life to tell what you have to say. But you can prevent this from happening by following these tips.
First of all, you have to know your piece very well. You have to familiarize what you are going to say. Make extra effort to research about what you are going to say so that you can add some important information which can catch the attention of your audience. When you notice an interest in the look of the crowd, this will give you the confidence to go on and continue with what you are discussing. Memorize some lines and know them by heart.
The next thing that you might consider doing is to practice in front of the mirror. Practice your piece and look at your face and gestures if you are not awkward. Stand up in front of the mirror as if you are standing in front of the crowd. Look at how you move your hands if it fits on what you are uttering in your mouth. If you notice that you are doing unnecessary actions then try to practice eliminating them so that when you face the real crowd you will know what to do.
Moreover, you can practice your speaking skills in front of a small audience. It can be your family or your friends and ask some suggestions or comments that will help you become even better with speaking in front of the public.