I have been in the program for six weeks. I feel better than I have for a LONG time! I think it's great. There is one thing that I can't seem to get over. It is strange. It is when I am called on to tell a little bit about myself and what I do-- out loud, in front of a class or to only one or two people in a job interview. I can be the calmest, funniest person around, many people say I have it all together. However, when someone commands me to talk, and I know that my turn is coming, my heart races and I can't breathe. Then, somehow I regain focus and continue on pretty comfortably. I want to get rid of that initial anxiety/panic when I am called on. What is this about? After the introductions are done, I regain confidence and participate vocally in the class and the interview. Can anyone offer solutions or advice about that first moment? Is their a focus? Of course I'm trying every calming technique in the book, but I'm not getting over it. Thanks!

I have that same anticipatory anxiety, and it's especially bad in meetings...like department meetings when they're about to come around to you and you know your turn is coming up. It's really awful and has never improved. I'm hoping that by changing my whole way of thinking, through this program, I'll overcome this, but I don't know a particular technique for it.

I have the exact same problem...but I can't say I'm funny or into it even after the initial introduction as much as I'd like to be. I truly want to talk myself out of this stage fright because my career is suffering because of it. It may not be the easiest thing...but I'm hopeful it can be beat! I hope to smile my way through it all as much as I can! Good luck to you!

Thanks for you replies, it's comforting to know that others experience this sensation and it is not only me. I just recently had a job interview and landed the job. In the interview, I practiced the techniques from the tapes and didn't let me anxiety get the best of me. I listened to the relaxation tapes a couple times before the interview to let my mind and body relax and I used the breathing techniques during the interview to rid myself of the physical effects. I really concentrated on me and what I had to offer. I think we have to remember that we are are created equal. No one should intimidate us. I think it does take practice, though. I know I still will be uncomfortable in presentations, but believe that I am beginning to build the skills it takes to get through this. Thanks for your replies and let me know how you are handling things in the future!