The largest audience I have had to speak in front of was 5,000 people (in the Columbus Ohio Convedntion Center)and it was televised. I was nervous but I wanted to do a good job and not look foolish so I got control of the nerves early on by taking a deep breath. I am more nervous in smaller gatherings 10-20 people and tend to suffer with cotton mouth. It does get easier but it is always uncomfortable at the start. Public speaking is the number 1 fear, dieing is second.