Baaack in time when I got into college for the first time I ended up getting a remunerated scolarship. It wasn't much money, but it allowed me to pay for my stuff (college books, clothes...) without having to ask my parents.

I was so naive, I didn't know I would have to speak in public, just write arcticles and such. When I had to make my first presentation I was already panicking a week before, but I knew disappointing my mentor would be worse, I feared losing my scholarship and disappointing my parents... In the end there was no better option than making the freaking presentation.

You know what worked for me? Foreseeing a catastrophe and starting coping with it instead of trying to relax. My coping thoughts were not the most healthy and I won't share them here out of fear of triggering someone, but it made me believe I had an option to avoid shame no matter what. When the presentation was over it was over, I survived, ran back home and that's all. I'm far from being an orator, but damn... I guess I can do it if I'm supposed to.