Public Speaking

I am incredibly nervous about speaking in front of people. I have the tendency to blush like CRAZY and upon realizing this, go psycho and continue on my path of increasing nervousness. I haven't ever done a lot of speaking in front of anyone-the biggest audience would probably be my church during some sort of youth group event or reading scripture at Christmas. I'm much more comfortable speaking when I can't see the audience. For example, if there's a spotlight and the audience is in the dark. The last time I spoke I had to perform a soliloquy in my english class. Let's just say it was rough. I'd say my strengths include clear speaking and being prepared and my weakness would be sheer nervousness. I need to be less self-conscience when speaking.