If just the thought of giving a speech in front of a group of people makes your palms sweat and your legs turn to jelly, you're not alone. According to University Center Rochester, one in five people is "highly communication apprehensive," and many list public speaking as one of their worst fears. If work or school requires you to take the stage in the near future, there are some tips to help you make the experience less harrowing.

Practice

• The more you practice your speech, the better you'll know your material, and the more comfortable you'll be when the time comes. Practice in front of a mirror so that you can see your gestures and facial expressions. You can also practice giving your speech to a friend or family member, who can provide you with some constructive feedback.
  

Use Visual Aids

• Use visual aids such as PowerPoint, videos or even flip charts. Visual aids can not only enhance the presentation, but also relieve some of your anxiety by taking some of the attention off of you. Visual aids also can help guide you through the presentation so you don't have to rely as much on your memory. Consider having someone operate your audio-visual equipment for you so you don't have to worry about fumbling with it as you're giving your speech.
  

Involve the Audience

• Get your audience involved by asking questions about your topic that you already know the answers to. By asking questions, you can build rapport with your audience and demonstrate your expertise on your topic, which can boost your confidence and help you relax.
  

Use Humor

• Start your presentation with a self-deprecating joke or comment. You'll win points with your audience by showing that you can laugh at yourself, and the laughter from the audience will relieve some of your tension. You can also interject the occasional joke or funny visual during your speech to help hold your audience's attention.
  

Take a Walk

• If possible, move around during your speech instead of standing behind a podium. Casually moving through your audience can help you release some of that nervous energy and can also bring you closer to the members, which can aid in building rapport.
  

Visualize and Breathe

• Take a few minutes before you take the stage to close your eyes and visualize making a great speech. Visualizing can help you relax and get you focused on the task. Taking slow, deep breaths as you visualize will help slow down your heart rate and get your frayed nerves under control.