How can I get over my nerves when talking?

I used to be very affraid of public speaking, conversations with those I didn’t know or didn’t know well, and even talking to the checker at the supermarket. I think that as you get older and put yourself in situations that push the envelope that you will be able to get over your nervousness. Really, my heart still pumps when I am meeting someone new. I realize now that they are feeling similarly. I had to take steps, baby steps (seriously itty bitty steps), outside of my comfort zone to really build up a new comfort level. I started chatting a little with the checker in the checkout line, no real consequences there, they have to be nice… I started talking to people I wouldn’t normally make an effort to talk to and finally I’ve gotten to the point where most situations don’t scare me too much. My heart still lets me know I’m nervous, but I still go for it anyway because I know next time I won’t be so nervous and the next time after that I probably won’t be nervous at all.