Honestly I'd say attack it. Get over the fear. The anxiety makes it worse. The more you practice the more comfortable you become. Then it becomes nothing more than a conversation with an audience. And as you say, it's milder in that situation. A little joke or even just say "I stutter hang in there with me " can help break the tension. I remember I recorded my speech when running for president in grade school. I didn't show up for a funeral because I was scared to do a reading. I regret all of these thing. Try to be strong and anyone who cares about the way you talk is superficial anyways. Things like Toastmasters are great for overcoming public speaking anxieties when you are out of school.