When thinking about speaking in public (team meetings, presentations in front of customers/executives, a speech, etc.), what comes to mind?

For many of us, public speaking is our #1 fear.  Why is that?  Is public speaking that much worse than snakes, drowning, or clowns?

I would love to read your comments on this topic.  Please share if you do have this fear (no matter which country you live in) and what you believe you need to work on to overcome it?