Anxiety

[stanso]

I am an engineer and in my line of duty I have to provide explanations of problems that occured and the solutions that were implemented. This can be in a management meeting or to a team of employees both junior and senior. I will be having all the facts with me but when I speak after the first sentence I start to fail to confidently express my self. My heart starts to beat faster and faster, my voice squeaks and I run short of breath. I then usually try to hand over to someone else to remove the focus on me. This however leaves everyone thinking I am not clear or I don't understand what I am talking about. This has put me on the side lines for promotion as my ability to stand for what I believe in is doubted by senior management. What can I do to overcome this. When I read stage fright symptoms, my situation seems to fit.

[amish1979]

You may want to discuss this with your doctor and look into beta blockers.  Anxiety related specifically to performance issues can be overcome without the use of benzodiazepines.  Lots of athletes, musicians, public speakers use beta blockers before an event.

Check this out:

http://www.ethanwiner.com/BetaBlox.html

[Paxiled]

While it's true beta blockers might help, you can also try to tackle this without meds.  You can try a performance coach or a therapist.  Lots of people with stage fright have long successful careers without ever completely getting over it, but they learn to use it in their favor through techniques such as visualization, meditation, and rehearsal.  Whatever you try, good luck.