Performance Anxiety

Book excerpt: Actors and musicians call it "stage fright". Others may know it as "butterflies". No matter what you call it, the symptoms of performance anxiety are the same: a paralyzing sense of fear and dread whenever you have to speak or perform before a group of any size. Now Dr. Eric Maisel, a renowned author, psychotherapist, and creativity coach shows readers how to approach presentations calmly and comfortably, without sweaty palms and a pounding heart. It doesn't matter whether you work in the classroom, the boardroom, a theater or concert hall, Performance anxiety will help you: Recognize performance anxiety; Identify irrational fears that contribute to performance anxiety; Handle criticism; Use breathing and centering techniques ti improve focus; Utilize diets, medication, relaxation techniques and guided visualization to combat anxiety; Acquire long-term anxiety management techniques. [Ed.]