Very nice perspective on a subject which I often hear about as well. People toss off this myth as if it were useful speaking advice (rather than the tired cliche that it is).

There was even a book written in the early nineties with the title, “I Can See You Naked” that offered that and other odd suggestions to aspiring speakers.

Your recommendation about imagining people reacting positively is a good one. It helps build confidence for developing speakers. I often tell newbies that people actually want you to succeed as a speaker and are hoping you do well(as long as you are talking about something that interests them in an interesting way.

Keep identifying those myths. There are many out there that do more harm that good.