Overcoming the fear

Hello everyone, I'm a newbie to this forum. I too had a fear of public speaking. Heck, I was afraid to speak to people over the phone!
The only way I was to overcome my fear was to just DO IT! I started with working as a customer service rep at a call center. Later I spent two years studying Acting for films, television and theatre. It was the theatre and improv training that loosened me up in front of an audience. I was taught to not look AT the audience when delivering a monologue, but to look OVER their heads. That instruction helped me in many ways. Now, I am a member of Toastmasters International and loving it! I have already won two awards for my speaking and am always told how powerful my voice is when I speak. My confidence has skyrocketed a thousandfold. My advice to anyone looking to break through the fear barrier, JUST DO IT.