> Some people drink a little bit of alcohol or take pills (not something I would recommend)

I would. Some people have crippling stage fright every time while several others would get it if the stakes are too high (imagine being called to demo at the iPhone launches). I doubt that the author being a natural public speaker can relate to that.

It's not about not being a good/polished public speaker but more about being so paralyzed with anxiety that your hands/knees shake and your voice breaks to the point that you couldn't read off a teleprompter. You lose all situational awareness and enter a fight or flight mode. If that describes you then take propranolol. (after asking your doctor of course)