For many years, my day-job was as a computer games designer, while in my own time I did stand-up comedy. I loved both of these worlds (and still do), which were very different, but populated by very similar people. Let me break it down; as it may help you with your confidence:
Games
- I sat at a PC, usually with my headphones on, usually iterating small aspects of individual game levels for weeks or even months. I loved this isolation.
- I was able to be creative within the brief.
- I worked with like-minded people; I loved sharing jokes with them.
Stand-Up
- I stood alone on-stage, and worked hard to make the audience laugh. I wrote and tried out new material, and loved being the centre of attention.
- I had no restrictions at all, and the further I pushed the boundaries the better, as long as it was funny.
- I worked with like-minded people; I loved talking to them about games.
Conclusion
To stand up in front of a group for public speaking is a chance to show some essential, inspiring qualities:
- Courage
- Passion
- Imagination
- Determination
Those four things are probably what make us all tick. When you next do some public speaking, try to show at least one of them.