"Whenever I'm expected to speak up in a meeting at work, I get hoarse and sweaty and my memory shuts down. What can I do?"
by
Theresa Lavoie, Ph.D.
Speak to your boss in confidence. If there's no way to limit the number of times you must speak publicly, limit your caffeine intake and increase your exercise a few days before you anticipate having to speak in public.
And just before speaking, try this relaxation technique: Take three deep breaths, exhaling twice as slowly as you inhaled. If the problem persists, ask your doctor about anti-anxiety medication.