As you begin to speak, you hear your voice quiver and feel a deep blush rising from your neck. According to the Harvard Management Communication Letter , preparation is the key to avoiding stage fright. And Winston Churchill claimed he'd prepare six to eight hours for a forty-five minute presentation.
Preparation reduces anxiety.
Knowing your topic well, builds the kind of confidence audiences can sense. Acquainting yourself with both the room and the audience before hand helps, as does memorizing the first minute of your speech. That's when you're most anxious and it allows you to get into a rhythm. The more familiar you are with your material and your surroundings, the less anxious you'll feel. And the better your presentation will be.