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How to Manage Public Speaking Anxiety

Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of The Anxiety Workbook and founder of the website About Social Anxiety. She has a Master's degree in clinical psychology.

Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk,  "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time.

Luis Alvarez / Getty Images

Speech Anxiety and SAD

How to prepare for a speech.

Public speaking anxiety, also known as glossophobia , is one of the most commonly reported social fears.

While some people may feel nervous about giving a speech or presentation if you have social anxiety disorder (SAD) , public speaking anxiety may take over your life.

Public speaking anxiety may also be called speech anxiety or performance anxiety and is a type of social anxiety disorder (SAD). Social anxiety disorder, also sometimes referred to as social phobia, is one of the most common types of mental health conditions.

Public Speaking Anxiety Symptoms

Symptoms of public speaking anxiety are the same as those that occur for social anxiety disorder, but they only happen in the context of speaking in public.

If you live with public speaking anxiety, you may worry weeks or months in advance of a speech or presentation, and you probably have severe physical symptoms of anxiety during a speech, such as:

• Pounding heart
• Quivering voice
• Shortness of breath
• Upset stomach

Causes of Public Speaking Anxiety

These symptoms are a result of the fight or flight response —a rush of adrenaline that prepares you for danger. When there is no real physical threat, it can feel as though you have lost control of your body. This makes it very hard to do well during public speaking and may cause you to avoid situations in which you may have to speak in public.

How Is Public Speaking Anxiety Is Diagnosed

Public speaking anxiety may be diagnosed as SAD if it significantly interferes with your life. This fear of public speaking anxiety can cause problems such as:

• Changing courses at college to avoid a required oral presentation
• Changing jobs or careers
• Turning down promotions because of public speaking obligations
• Failing to give a speech when it would be appropriate (e.g., best man at a wedding)

If you have intense anxiety symptoms while speaking in public and your ability to live your life the way that you would like is affected by it, you may have SAD.

Public Speaking Anxiety Treatment

Fortunately, effective treatments for public speaking anxiety are avaible. Such treatment may involve medication, therapy, or a combination of the two.

Short-term therapy such as systematic desensitization and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful to learn how to manage anxiety symptoms and anxious thoughts that trigger them.

Ask your doctor for a referral to a therapist who can offer this type of therapy; in particular, it will be helpful if the therapist has experience in treating social anxiety and/or public speaking anxiety.

Research has also found that virtual reality (VR) therapy can also be an effective way to treat public speaking anxiety. One analysis found that students treated with VR therapy were able to experience positive benefits in as little as a week with between one and 12 sessions of VR therapy. The research also found that VR sessions were effective while being less invasive than in-person treatment sessions.

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If you live with public speaking anxiety that is causing you significant distress, ask your doctor about medication that can help. Short-term medications known as beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol) can be taken prior to a speech or presentation to block the symptoms of anxiety.

Other medications may also be prescribed for longer-term treatment of SAD, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). When used in conjunction with therapy, you may find the medication helps to reduce your phobia of public speaking.

In addition to traditional treatment, there are several strategies that you can use to cope with speech anxiety and become better at public speaking in general . Public speaking is like any activity—better preparation equals better performance. Being better prepared will boost your confidence and make it easier to concentrate on delivering your message.

Even if you have SAD, with proper treatment and time invested in preparation, you can deliver a successful speech or presentation.

Pre-Performance Planning

Taking some steps to plan before you give a speech can help you better control feelings of anxiety. Before you give a speech or public performance:

• Choose a topic that interests you . If you are able, choose a topic that you are excited about. If you are not able to choose the topic, try using an approach to the topic that you find interesting. For example, you could tell a personal story that relates to the topic as a way to introduce your speech. This will ensure that you are engaged in your topic and motivated to research and prepare. When you present, others will feel your enthusiasm and be interested in what you have to say.
• Become familiar with the venue . Ideally, visit the conference room, classroom, auditorium, or banquet hall where you will be presenting before you give your speech. If possible, try practicing at least once in the environment that you will be speaking in. Being familiar with the venue and knowing where needed audio-visual components are ahead of time will mean one less thing to worry about at the time of your speech.
• Ask for accommodations . Accommodations are changes to your work environment that help you to manage your anxiety. This might mean asking for a podium, having a pitcher of ice water handy, bringing in audiovisual equipment, or even choosing to stay seated if appropriate. If you have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder such as social anxiety disorder (SAD), you may be eligible for these through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Don’t script it . Have you ever sat through a speech where someone read from a prepared script word for word? You probably don’t recall much of what was said. Instead, prepare a list of key points on paper or notecards that you can refer to.
• Develop a routine . Put together a routine for managing anxiety on the day of a speech or presentation. This routine should help to put you in the proper frame of mind and allow you to maintain a relaxed state. An example might be exercising or practicing meditation on the morning of a speech.

Practice and Visualization

Even people who are comfortable speaking in public rehearse their speeches many times to get them right. Practicing your speech 10, 20, or even 30 times will give you confidence in your ability to deliver.

If your talk has a time limit, time yourself during practice runs and adjust your content as needed to fit within the time that you have. Lots of practice will help boost your self-confidence .

• Prepare for difficult questions . Before your presentation, try to anticipate hard questions and critical comments that might arise, and prepare responses ahead of time. Deal with a difficult audience member by paying them a compliment or finding something that you can agree on. Say something like, “Thanks for that important question” or “I really appreciate your comment.” Convey that you are open-minded and relaxed. If you don’t know how to answer the question, say you will look into it.
• Get some perspective . During a practice run, speak in front of a mirror or record yourself on a smartphone. Make note of how you appear and identify any nervous habits to avoid. This step is best done after you have received therapy or medication to manage your anxiety.
• Imagine yourself succeeding . Did you know your brain can’t tell the difference between an imagined activity and a real one? That is why elite athletes use visualization to improve athletic performance. As you practice your speech (remember 10, 20, or even 30 times!), imagine yourself wowing the audience with your amazing oratorical skills. Over time, what you imagine will be translated into what you are capable of.
• Learn to accept some anxiety . Even professional performers experience a bit of nervous excitement before a performance—in fact, most believe that a little anxiety actually makes you a better speaker. Learn to accept that you will always be a little anxious about giving a speech, but that it is normal and common to feel this way.

Setting Goals

Instead of trying to just scrape by, make it a personal goal to become an excellent public speaker. With proper treatment and lots of practice, you can become good at speaking in public. You might even end up enjoying it!

Put things into perspective. If you find that public speaking isn’t one of your strengths, remember that it is only one aspect of your life. We all have strengths in different areas. Instead, make it a goal simply to be more comfortable in front of an audience, so that public speaking anxiety doesn’t prevent you from achieving other goals in life.

A Word From Verywell

In the end, preparing well for a speech or presentation gives you confidence that you have done everything possible to succeed. Give yourself the tools and the ability to succeed, and be sure to include strategies for managing anxiety. These public-speaking tips should be used to complement traditional treatment methods for SAD, such as therapy and medication.

Crome E, Baillie A. Mild to severe social fears: Ranking types of feared social situations using item response theory . J Anxiety Disord . 2014;28(5):471-479. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2014.05.002

Pull CB. Current status of knowledge on public-speaking anxiety . Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2012;25(1):32-8. doi:10.1097/YCO.0b013e32834e06dc

Goldstein DS. Adrenal responses to stress . Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2010;30(8):1433-40. doi:10.1007/s10571-010-9606-9

Anderson PL, Zimand E, Hodges LF, Rothbaum BO. Cognitive behavioral therapy for public-speaking anxiety using virtual reality for exposure . Depress Anxiety. 2005;22(3):156-8. doi:10.1002/da.20090

Hinojo-Lucena FJ, Aznar-Díaz I, Cáceres-Reche MP, Trujillo-Torres JM, Romero-Rodríguez JM. Virtual reality treatment for public speaking anxiety in students. advancements and results in personalized medicine .  J Pers Med . 2020;10(1):14. doi:10.3390/jpm10010014

Steenen SA, van Wijk AJ, van der Heijden GJ, van Westrhenen R, de Lange J, de Jongh A. Propranolol for the treatment of anxiety disorders: Systematic review and meta-analysis . J Psychopharmacol (Oxford). 2016;30(2):128-39. doi:10.1177/0269881115612236

By Arlin Cuncic, MA Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of The Anxiety Workbook and founder of the website About Social Anxiety. She has a Master's degree in clinical psychology.

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Fear of public speaking: how can i overcome it, how can i overcome my fear of public speaking.

Fear of public speaking is a common form of anxiety. It can range from slight nervousness to paralyzing fear and panic. Many people with this fear avoid public speaking situations altogether, or they suffer through them with shaking hands and a quavering voice. But with preparation and persistence, you can overcome your fear.

These steps may help:

• Know your topic. The better you understand what you're talking about — and the more you care about the topic — the less likely you'll make a mistake or get off track. And if you do get lost, you'll be able to recover quickly. Take some time to consider what questions the audience may ask and have your responses ready.
• Get organized. Ahead of time, carefully plan out the information you want to present, including any props, audio or visual aids. The more organized you are, the less nervous you'll be. Use an outline on a small card to stay on track. If possible, visit the place where you'll be speaking and review available equipment before your presentation.
• Practice, and then practice some more. Practice your complete presentation several times. Do it for some people you're comfortable with and ask for feedback. It may also be helpful to practice with a few people with whom you're less familiar. Consider making a video of your presentation so you can watch it and see opportunities for improvement.
• Challenge specific worries. When you're afraid of something, you may overestimate the likelihood of bad things happening. List your specific worries. Then directly challenge them by identifying probable and alternative outcomes and any objective evidence that supports each worry or the likelihood that your feared outcomes will happen.
• Visualize your success. Imagine that your presentation will go well. Positive thoughts can help decrease some of your negativity about your social performance and relieve some anxiety.
• Do some deep breathing. This can be very calming. Take two or more deep, slow breaths before you get up to the podium and during your speech.
• Focus on your material, not on your audience. People mainly pay attention to new information — not how it's presented. They may not notice your nervousness. If audience members do notice that you're nervous, they may root for you and want your presentation to be a success.
• Don't fear a moment of silence. If you lose track of what you're saying or start to feel nervous and your mind goes blank, it may seem like you've been silent for an eternity. In reality, it's probably only a few seconds. Even if it's longer, it's likely your audience won't mind a pause to consider what you've been saying. Just take a few slow, deep breaths.
• Recognize your success. After your speech or presentation, give yourself a pat on the back. It may not have been perfect, but chances are you're far more critical of yourself than your audience is. See if any of your specific worries actually occurred. Everyone makes mistakes. Look at any mistakes you made as an opportunity to improve your skills.
• Get support. Join a group that offers support for people who have difficulty with public speaking. One effective resource is Toastmasters, a nonprofit organization with local chapters that focuses on training people in speaking and leadership skills.

If you can't overcome your fear with practice alone, consider seeking professional help. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a skills-based approach that can be a successful treatment for reducing fear of public speaking.

As another option, your doctor may prescribe a calming medication that you take before public speaking. If your doctor prescribes a medication, try it before your speaking engagement to see how it affects you.

Nervousness or anxiety in certain situations is normal, and public speaking is no exception. Known as performance anxiety, other examples include stage fright, test anxiety and writer's block. But people with severe performance anxiety that includes significant anxiety in other social situations may have social anxiety disorder (also called social phobia). Social anxiety disorder may require cognitive behavioral therapy, medications or a combination of the two.

Craig N. Sawchuk, Ph.D., L.P.

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• Social anxiety disorder (social phobia). In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5. 5th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association, 2013. http://dsm.psychiatryonline.org. Accessed April 18, 2017.
• 90 tips from Toastmasters. Toastmasters International. https://www.toastmasters.org/About/90th-Anniversary/90-Tips. Accessed April 18, 2017.
• Stein MB, et al. Approach to treating social anxiety disorder in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed April 18, 2017.
• How to keep fear of public speaking at bay. American Psychological Association. http://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/02/tips-sidebar.aspx. Accessed April 18, 2017.
• Jackson B, et al. Re-thinking anxiety: Using inoculation messages to reduce and reinterpret public speaking fears. PLOS One. 2017;12:e0169972.
• Sawchuk CN (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 24, 2017.

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Can propranolol help with public speaking anxiety.

Considering that over 40 percent of US adults state (in certain surveys) that they have a signigicant fear of public speaking, it’s surprising that there isn’t a lot more talk in the media about overcoming and managing one of the nations largest collective phobias! Since the 60s, a heart-medication drug has been the secret tool for public speakers trying to get a handle on their performance anxiety/stage fright issues. That prescription drug is a beta-blocker called Propranolol, which is actually the most commonly prescribed beta blocker drug in the US. In this article, I’m going to take a look at why so many public speakers use Propranolol to help with their performance anxiety issues, I’ll share my personal experience with the drug, and you’ll find out what the side-effects and downsides are, as well as some alternatives.

Wondering if Propranolol can help manage your public speaking nerves? The prescription beta-blocker medication is used by performers and those suffering from anxiety to dampen the jitters and palpitations often associated with stage fright or performance anxiety. In this article I’m going to take a look at the role that Propranolol can take in preparing you for the stage, the sales presentation and/or the social event; while providing a first-hand account of the impact Propranolol can have on public speaking experiences.

Propranolol for public speaking Key Takeaways

If you're looking for a quick , scannable summary of the rest of this article, here are several key takeways about Propranolol for public speaking :

• Propranolol, a non-selective beta blocker, effectively manages performance anxiety by dulling physical anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat and trembling, through a mechanism of surpressing — sometimes completely blocking — adrenaline release into the body.
• The recommended dosage of Propranolol for situational anxiety ranges from 10mg to 40mg, and it should be ingested about 30 to 60 minutes before a public speaking event for optimal effectiveness.
• While Propranolol can help performers transform their stage presence and reduce anxiety, potential side effects range from mild, like fatigue and nausea, to severe, such as allergic reactions and heart issues, necessitating consultation with healthcare professionals.

The Role of Propranolol in Managing Performance Anxiety

Propranolol is one of the most commonly prescribed non-selective beta-blocker medications in the US. Beta-blockers, full medical name beta-adrenergic blocking agents, work by blocking the effects of adrenergic hormones in the body, such as adrenaline [1] .

Doctors typically prescribe beta-blockers to treat various heart conditions, when other lifestyle adjustments fail to do the job. Some of the typical conditions for which a doctor might recommend a beta-blocker such as Propranolol include [2] :

• High blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat
• Angina (chest pain)

Beta-blockers help those with cardiovascular issues by influencing the force with which your heart pumps blood. Sometimes, beta-blockers are also prescribed for conditions like migraines, and harmless tremors of the arms, hands, etc [3] .

Understanding Beta Blockers

There are two categories within beta blockers: selective and nonselective. Selective variants target only the heart’s beta-1 adrenoceptors while nonselective variants affect both beta-1 and beta-2 adrenoceptors throughout various bodily systems. For example, Propranolol is a broad-spectrum (non-selective) beta blocker that, alongside Metoprolol which is a selective type, helps alleviate performance-related anxiety by curbing adrenaline effects. This leads to slowed heart-rates and reduced blood pressure, tackling the major symptoms associated with anxiety and stage fright episodes.

Why is Propranolol popular with public speakers?

As stated above, Beta-blockers like Propranolol block the effects of adrenaline and prevent the hormone from binding to beta-receptors in the heart. This has an overall calming effect on the heart and the force with which it has to pump blood. Consequently, the heart can return to its regular workload, and blood pressure is stabilized [4] .

An exaggerated stress response, like what a speaker experiences when suffering from performance anxiety, typically correlates with a dramatic spike in adrenaline.

So, by blocking the effects of adrenaline, it is prevented from binding to beta receptors in the heart. So, beta-blockers essentially block the physical symptoms of performance anxiety.

When taking a beta-blocker, expect the drug to slow your heart rate, reduce a lot of trembling and sweating, and regulate your breathing and blood pressure. Beta-blockers can help you feel relaxed, essentially negating the stress response to help you get through any performance such as a speech or sales presentation.

You can easily see why a public speaker would find massive value in being able to block performance anxiety or stage fright, almost on-demand , using Propranolol .

It is important to note that each individual is different, especially when it comes to causes of anxiety. Individuals also vary widely in anxiety symptoms, the severity of those symptoms, and how we react to specific medications. So, how you respond to a beta-blocker can be different from someone else [5] .

Personal Experience using Propranolol for Public Speaking

I’ve shared in a few places on this site that I have used beta-blockers, including Propranolol (as well as others such as Metoprolol , Carvedilol/Coreg and others ), several times.

Because of the way beta-blockers work within the body, I’ve worked with and spoken to a lot of performers and public speakers who use them to block the symptoms of performance anxiety. Actually, one of the first popular mentions of beta blockers being used for anxiety purposes was a Lancet article from 1965 [6] . That article, in-depth research into the field, plus plenty of personal accounts of Propranolol helping with stage fright & anxiety helped me understand why so many speakers are using Propranolol. In short: Propranolol is effective for nearly eliminating the effects of adrenaline during a speech , the side-effects are relatively minimal, and the only major downside (in my opinion) is a risk of becoming too reliant on the beta-blocker if you use it for every high-anxiety situation. If you can avoid becoming dependent on Propranolol, it’s a very effective tool for speakers!

Propranolol Dosage and Timing for Optimal Results

In the United States, Propranolol is classified as a prescription drug. So if you’re considering the use of Propranolol for public speaking and performance anxiety purposes, you will have to ask your doctor if it may be an option for you.

If the doctor decides to prescribe beta-blockers for you, then he or she will also let you know your recommended daily dosage. We strongly suggest sticking to the recommendations of your doctor. They know your medical history and all your other current medications and health issues. Going beyond what your doctor prescribes can have severe health consequences.

Purely for informational purposes, however: For most adults, an effective Propranolol dose is between 40-80 mg per day [7] .

For those using Propranolol before a speech, the best time to take it is 1-3 hours before they’re about to go on stage/give their speech. You want to give it enough time for the effects of Propranolol to kick in, but not so early that it is no longer useful. Again, consult with your doctor for when and how much Propranolol you should take before you have to give your speech.

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Potential Propranolol Side Effects and Precautions

Beta-blockers like Propranolol are generally considered safe for public speakers (or any performer). Especially when only taken occasionally. But Propranolol can come with some potential side effects , although not too common among public speakers who only use beta-blockers every now and then.

More common side-effects of Propranolol include [8] :

• Dryness in the eyes
• Below normal heart rate
• Tiredness or feeling weak

More severe Propranolol side-effects are rare, but if you experience any of the following, be sure to notify your doctor immediately:

• Allergic reactions like skin rash or hives
• Swollen face, lips, or tongue
• Trouble breathing

Alternatives to Propranolol for Public Speaking Anxiety

‘Glossophobia’ or Fear of public speaking does not have to be a chronic, lifelong affliction! We now have various strategies and tools available that can be used to overcome a fear of public speaking, including medications (like Propranolol, of course), mental strategies and dietary supplements.

Let’s take a look at a few alternative ways that people are fighting their public speaking fears:

Extensive Practice

Mild cases of public speaking anxiety may be treatable simply with practice.

Many people struggle with public speaking simply because it’s a new field to them. The fear of the unknown and lack of confidence may manifest itself in extreme fear or anxiety. However, once that person can get used to speaking in front of people, and develop confidence within these kinds of situations, the fear may go away [9] .

This is not a unique ‘secret’ that’s supposed to solve the fear of public speaking for everyone. For more serious cases of glossophobia/public speaking fear , other tools and strategies will be needed in addition to extensive practice. Particularly if someone doesn’t experience anxiety in any other social situations, yet speaking in front of a crowd immediately sparks a stress response, one of the more concentrated strategies may work best [9] .

Breathing Exercises

Certain breathing techniques can be effective in stopping the onset of physical anxiety symptoms caused by a stress response in the body. While extensive public speaking practice is a long-term fundamental practice, breathing exercises can offer a short-term fix that you can put into practice before you need to address an audience.

One particular breathing exercise that I teach clients is known as “diaphragmatic breathing” or “belly breathing”, in which you take deep breaths, engaging the stomach and the diaphragm. In contrast to regular, unconscious breathing, an effort is made to bring the breath down into the stomach, which should rise and fall with each breath.

Diaphragmatic breathing has long been used in meditation, and meditative practices like yoga and tai-chi. Studies have shown deep breathing to have positive effects on cognition and stress, adequately reducing levels of cortisol, a hormone that gets released when we are stressed or anxious [10] . Diaphragmatic breathing can also help reduce blood pressure and improve heart rate variability, which works to lessen the severity of symptoms one may experience with public speaking anxiety.

Natural Supplements

Some dietary supplements contain a mix of ingredients that support focus, calm and cognition, which may counteract the negative side-effects of performance anxiety and stage fright when giving speeches. Ideally the supplement should be all-natural as well, but that’s a personal preference of mine.

One example that I really like and recommend to clients is PerformZen , which contains GABA , L-theanine and Magnesium , as well as cognitive-enhancing ingredients Ginkgo Biloba , Vitamin B6 and Theacrine .

These ingredients have been shown to help induce a calming effect on the body, as well as keeping the brain as sharp as it needs to be during your performance. Not too long ago, I actually reviewed PerformZen in this article & interviewed the founder (as well as secured a limited-time discount for PerformanceAnxiety.com readers). See the review here .

Instant All-Natural Performance Anxiety Relief

PerformZen is a natural supplement uniquely crafted to overcome stage fright and performance anxiety so you can perform at your best on demand!

Summary: Should you integrate Propranolol into Your Speaking Routine?

Performance anxiety needs to be taken seriously if you want to perform at your best during key moments (like giving successful public speeches).

Beta-blockers like Propranolol can absolutely help relieve your public speaking anxiety issues, helping you to reclaim control of your fears and perform when it’s really important. You just need to understand that while Propranolol does provide temporary relief, it is not really a long-term solution (not to mention: there may be side-effects, and you will need a prescription).

I really suggest giving the alternatives a try before turning to Propranolol repeatedly and building a dependence: whether that’s ‘diaphragmatic breathing’ or a natural performance anxiety supplement like PerformZen .

But if you’re dead-set on trying Propranolol, speak with a medical professional first and give it a try. Assuming you use the beta-blocker safely, it really is a game-changer for your performance anxiety!

Yes, Propranolol has proven to be (very) effective in managing the physical manifestations of performance anxiety, particularly with regards to public speaking. It boasts a considerable success rate among those who utilize it for speaking purposes.

Approximately one hour prior to a public speaking event, which can provoke anxiety symptoms, it is advisable to take Propranolol. Doing so ensures that the medication has adequate time to activate and alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.

If you suffer from respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema, or if you experience slow heart rates, have low blood pressure, or have been diagnosed with liver or kidney disease; then Propranolol is not a suitable treatment for anxiety as it comes with significant risks for you.

Before contemplating the use of this medication for your anxiety issues, it’s critical to consult with your physician and thoroughly disclose any health complications.

• ^ https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/propranolol/
• ^ https://performanceanxiety.com/propranolol/
• ^ https://performanceanxiety.com/propranolol-metoprolol-anxiety/
• ^ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/beta-blockers/art-20044522
• ^ https://performzen.com/propranolol-for-anxiety/
• ^ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0140673665908639
• ^ https://reference.medscape.com/drug/inderal-inderal-la-propranolol-342364
• ^ https://www.healthline.com/health/propranolol-oral-tablet
• ^ https://performzen.com/beta-blockers-public-speaking/
• ^ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5455070/

Take a look at our other beta blocker articles:

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Anita Letara

PerformanceAnxiety.com Owner & Lead Writer

Anita is the owner and lead writer for PerformanceAnxiety.com. A seasoned musician and public speaker herself, she is no stranger to the very real fear and anxiety that can strike right before a high-pressure situation. That's why Anita is passionate about writing content that helps people learn about and overcome their anxieties & social fears so that they can perform at their best when it counts and live anxiety-free lives.