Problem: I have always considered communication a form of art. This includes one on one conversations, to written messages and emails, all the way to public speaking. Each of these interactions warrant their own communication methodology. What you say and how you say it should depend on the audience as well as the medium. I have found that throughout my career, written messages are more commonly misinterpreted than spoken words. I take that into consideration when crafting messages for individuals as well as a larger audience.
In my various management positions in an almost 20-year career, I have encountered many situations where I have been tasked with public speaking. It was very daunting at first and still can be on occasion. I know the material because I wrote it, but my throat would swell up and I would have trouble breathing. Almost as if I was undergoing a minor panic attack. It took time and practice to overcome this anxiety over public speaking. I would practice alone, memorizing my material, over and over. I would talk into a mirror, and I would practice with a smaller group of individuals to obtain feedback over my performance. Over time my anxiety subsided, and I was able to effectively communicate fluidly and with minimal stammering.
A tactic that has worked for me in the past has been slowing down my speech to catch my breath and allow the audience to take in the information bit by bit. I once was given the opportunity to be a guest speaker on a live webinar. When I logged on, I saw a couple hundred individuals on the chat and my heart started beating faster. Right before my turn to speak, the total number of attendees had risen to over 1000 people. I was in a panic and so I had to read very slow, taking longer pauses in between sentences. I turned one of my biggest fears into an art form, organically and at my own pace. For anyone who struggles with public communication, I would suggest a Toast Masters class.