How can I get over my nerves?

Question:I have to be infront of a lot of people all the time whether its making speeches or presenting a project or singing in the talent show. I get so nervous that I eathier throw up or faint...thats rare though...i turn beet red and shake...all my friends tell me afterward...Well I have to sing in front of a full auditorium and i am sooo unbelivably nervous! any tricks to help me relax on stage??

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I have to be infront of a lot of people all the time whether its making speeches or presenting a project or singing in the talent show. I get so nervous that I eathier throw up or faint...thats rare though...i turn beet red and shake...all my friends tell me afterward...Well I have to sing in front of a full auditorium and i am sooo unbelivably nervous! any tricks to help me relax on stage??

I've had times during auditions that I get really nervous, but this is how I get over my nerves:
1. Take a couple of deep breaths before you go into the room (or on stage).
2. Don't look exactly at the audience when you're on stage. Try looking somewhere else like the exit sign or something. Or if you have a friend or family member that makes you feel comfortable, focus on them.
3. Practice in front of your friends and/or family members to get use to having people watching.
4. Now, my 9th grade English teacher taught me this trick. She gave all of us a peppermint right before our final exam. She said it's to calm the nerves. So everytime I have an audition to go to, I would eat a peppermint right before I go into the room. It calms my nerves and I'm ready to take the challenge. I took one before my All West tryouts and got 1st alternate.
I hope that my suggestions and those of the ones above helps. :-)

dont look at the people look over their heads that way it looks like your looking at them but your not and it doesnt make you nervous.

Booze.

Dear friend , it may occur to any one,do not worry.The first time I had to deliver my lecture I had the same problem.Then I could manage to over come the whole problem.
First prepare yourself & make sure u know very well what you are going to talk about.
2nd deliver it once or twice, infront of 2 or 3 friends .they may ask u questions .
3rd do not look directly to the eyes
4 consider u are talking to some empty chairs not people
(other people do have many flaws,no one is so complete)
5 if any problem occurs just say sorry & continue
6 Take a note (summery) of headlines with u
Make sure the first step is the hardest after a while u ll be a capable lecturer.
Good luck

dont do public speaking

People underestimate how well you must be prepared to be in front of an audience. Don't perform until you are more sure of yourself.

Take a few deep breaths before going out on stage. Then, find a person with an interesting face and focus on that person. Make eye contact. Then get out there and sing your heart out!

It's been reported that one of the most common phobias is of public speaking, or performing in public. The best way to get over the fear is to expose yourself to it, gradually. Perform in front of small groups at first. Then you'll be ready to perform in front of a large audience.

One good place to hone your public speaking and performing skills is a Toastmasters club. You can find one by visiting www.toastmasters.org and finding your area. Toastmasters is a very supportive and encouraging environment. After all, if they weren't, they wouldn't have been around since 1924!

Good luck!