I hear what you are saying and I've seen people who get paralyzed like that, but I'd say that 95% of the time public speaking is not something you must do. So, if it that "painful", I'd say just don't do it. The world won't end.
The world also won't end if you calm your nerves with a drink.
Re:Public speaking for introverts
by pavel_lishin on Tuesday September 19, 2017 @04:32PM
(#15288532)
Though naturally, you should have some experience with alcohol or pills before doing this, or you'll get a combination of stage fright with having a slightly fuzzy brain.
You might feel good about your speech, but your audience might decide that maybe you shouldn't do that again.
I would. Some people have crippling stage fright every time while several others would get it if the stakes are too high (imagine being called to demo at the iPhone launches). I doubt that the author being a natural public speaker can relate to that.
It's not about not being a good/polished public speaker but more about being so paralyzed with anxiety that your hands/knees shake and your voice breaks to the point that you couldn't read off a teleprompter. You lose all situational awareness and enter a fight or flight mode. If that describes you then take propranolol. (after asking your doctor of course)