Francis, I use a similar approach in my speech class. I try to provide time for short, "audience assessments", in that students are given the opportunity to present a short speech in preparation for a major presentation. I allow the class (audience) to provide a verbal critique and suggested areas of improvement for the student. I find that peer critiquing is a great tool in assisting a student with overcoming speech anxiety, as long as all students have an equal opportunity to provide comments. Tremayne Simpson