The Ladder Method

Stage fright dies through graduated exposure, not one giant leap. The ladder method builds comfort one rung at a time.

Rung one: speak to yourself in a mirror for two minutes. Rung two: record a video and watch it back. Rung three: present to one trusted friend. Rung four: speak to a group of three to five. Rung five: present to a larger audience.

Each rung should feel slightly uncomfortable but not terrifying. Stay on a rung until the discomfort fades, then climb. Most people try to jump straight to rung five and panic.