How to overcome public speaking fears?

[Michael Fox]

I am not usually a shy, shelled human being, but sometimes I do get nervous.
Now, this isn't really strange to me as it does happen to people all the time.
Today, however, when I had to recite one measly paragraph in front of our japanese class I froze.
I stood in front and my mind went blank. My mouth was forcing itself to frown and some muscles on my face twitched frantically.
My heart was pounding so hard that I thought I'd have a heart attack.
So instead of reciting the paragraph, which I knew by heart, I sat down and took a zero grade.

I've never had a nervous issue this extreme before. Yes, sometimes my smile would turn into a frown but I would usually get over that. This however was a flat out panic of anxiety.

Also, while sitting down, I can crack jokes and even talk to the whole class and get some laughs.

Why did this happen out of nowhere and how can I overcome it?
Please, it really is affecting my grades and my life now.

[Candy]

Don't walk away from your fear.
It's the worst thing you can do, I'm afraid. I can understand: it makes you feel bad and uncomfortable; you just want to get as far away from it as possible. But how are you going to solve it then? You have to nip it right in the bud. Stand up against it. Everyone had to face their biggest fear once in their lifetime.

If it is affecting your grades right now, hell, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Don't just sit there and expect someone to help you, because nobody can help you if you don't want to help yourself. Do something. Anything. Sign up for a debating class or public speaking. That's my best suggestion. Although they may seem like such a drag and a bore, but believe me, they can help. Quite a lot, in fact.

Just push yourself to do these things. Even if you detest them. But try your best. You don't have to THE best, but you have to be YOUR best. The only competition you have to face in your life, is yourself. And the hardest part of STARTING to tackle your problem.

I wish you the best of luck. And I've given you 2 sites which I think would help you, because it helped me through my tough times. If you want to talk about anything at all, you can talk to me on twitter (@CandzG).