Thank you for your reply, I am quite tempted to go for speech therapy, especially if, as you say, the emphasis is on the social, mental and latent aspects, as this is certainly where I need the help. I can read from a book in front of people very well, indeed in an exemplary fashion. However as soon as its under a different circumstance, I hit the dreaded 'brick wall' and am forced to look desperately for a swift alternative :(