i hate being nervous!?

Question

why do i get so nervous all the time?Today I had to do a speech for my English class, my heart was racing, my body was on fire, and my face red as a cherry! I JUST HATE IT.
This all happens before the teacher even calls my name to go up to the podium. I try and take a deep break but that just makes it worst. When i was done because of my nervousness and shaky voice the highest grade i got was a 70/c. No matter how much i practice im still nervous. What causes this, and how can I stop being so nervous?

Answer 1

I don't have the whole answer but seems I read that you need to visualize the audience as being naked or something like that, prior to ever getting up to the podium. This was written in a book about public speaking and I am sure you can find it on the net somewhere.

I am sure everyone is nervous under those circumstances but some hide it better is all. I wish you luck but believe you can whip that problem. The physical changes are put there by mother nature for humans when they get under stress. It helps the body prepare in case of something bad happening.

I never got real nervous but then I was kind of a class clown.