Battling stage fright

The other week, I went to a book party. You know, like a Tupperware party, but instead selling children’s books. It was really interesting to listen to our host. She’d only been in the business for about two months and was extremely nervous; that having spent most of her recent years at home with her young children had made her nervous speaking out now in front of a group of adults, when she used to do it regularly. I’ve been used to speaking in front of large groups since I was a child. I used to read at church of a Sunday; getting up in front of the congregation to read passages from the bible wasn’t a big deal. I’ve never understood why public speaking ranks higher than death in polls of people’s biggest fears. Until now: well, kind of. When I return home next month for a holiday, I’ve volunteered to speak to the final year high school students about such issues as stress management, mental health and just generally trying to keep your head above water (I’ve had a bit of experience). Then my mother (who works at this high school) says I might like to talk to the English students about creative writing as well. Er, ok? I know about English (I have a Masters in Literature. Yes, I’m degree-name-dropping) but I really don’t feel adequately qualified to talk about writing. Essays, yes. Prose, not so much. Don’t get me wrong: I have tonnes of ideas. I just hope they translate properly and I don’t come off looking like a loser. I just read that last sentence. Classic low self esteem talk there: pure adolescent mentality. I’m sure I’ll be fine. At the very least, I’ll fit in! No, scrap that. I’m going to be positive and engaging. What do you do to ward off self-sabotaging thoughts?