<://adserver.chickclick.com/html-ng/' + target + '?' + random + '" name=topad width=468 height=60 frameborder=0 border=0 mar Business article Index >> Public Speaking, Private Freaking Q: I work in a marketing department of a large company. I frequently have to talk in front of groups of people. This makes me very nervous, so I take Inderal or Calmettes before the talk. I've purchased the self-help tapes, I'm an active member of Toastmasters (I don't take any pills there because it's a safer environment). And I've spoken in front of groups on a number of occasions. It's not so much the talking or presenting to a group that bothers me. I get more nervous when I have to introduce myself while in a group meeting, especially with strangers. My heart starts to pump faster and I get hot flushes. I know I can take the pills, but I'd prefer not to. Is there another alternative? Please help! A: It's been said that the fear of speaking in front of others is stronger than the fear of death. You might be surprised to learn that many professional speakers who are perfectly fine on stage say they feel uncomfortable when asked to introduce themselves in a group setting. When it comes to giving a one or two sentence introduction at a professional networking event or company meeting, they experience the same kind of symptoms you do – racing heart, hot flushes and sweaty hands. Here are a few things you might try: Plan and practice. Design a one or two sentence introduction ahead of time and use it at all your events. Practice this introduction until you have it memorized and feel very comfortable with your delivery. If you need to adjust it to fit a particular meeting, change as few words as possible. Let go. Sometimes we're afraid to make an introduction because of the meaning we attach to it. For example, when making an introduction at a professional networking meeting, many people feel they have to get the intro just right in order to get new business. This adds to their performance anxiety. Sometimes the attachment has to do with how others will perceive you. For example, if you have to introduce yourself at a staff meeting, you might be afraid that others will see your anxiety and make a judgement about your level of competency. There are two things to remember: First, once an introduction is delivered, it's usually forgotten pretty quickly; and second, there's a good chance that 90 percent of the people in the room feel the same way you do! Just deliver your one or two lines and let it go. Make Friends with Your Fear. There's a new book available called "In the Spotlight: Overcoming Your Fear of Public Speaking and Performance" by Janet Esposito (Strong Books, 2000). It contains some very helpful information on how to deal with your fear in a constructive way. The author has suffered from performance anxiety herself and does a good job of explaining how the fear cycle escalates, and what to do about it. Finally, know that you are not alone. There's a good chance nearly all the people around you are dealing with the same type of performance anxiety. by Cheryl Richardson http://onhealth.com/lifestyle/columnist Business article Index >> News I Health I Wellness I Exercise I Profiles I Business I Links I Women ROCK! Product Review I To the Point I Contact I Home Created by: Art Street Design Studio. © Concerning Women Communications, Inc. all rights reserved.