Getting Over Stage Fright : A New Approach to Resolving Your Fear of Public Speaking and Performing Paperback – September 25, 2009

I can highly recommend Janet's book, as I found it to be the most comprehensive on the subject, in my opinion, after reading a number of these over the years. Basically she breaks it down into body, mind, and spirit--thus, giving this a holistic approach to working on the problem. You will learn tools on how to manage your physical symptoms (body), reverse or redirect those those negative messages floating around in your head (mind), and learn to use your speaking as a means of sharing yourself with others, thus taking the focus off yourself and onto others (spirit). [Side note: the word "spirit" here meaning spiritual in a general way; not referring to a specific religion.]I had the good fortune to attend one of Janet's workshops, and we practiced all of these principles in a safe and non-judgmental environment, so I can attest to the fact that it works. Even if you can't go to the seminar, you need to buy this book and start learning the steps. You won't be sorry--this isn't one of those self-help books that doesn't deliver what it promises! I can't say that I'll ever be totally free of my fear of public speaking, but that's not even the point anymore. I now know how to manage my anxiety, and deal with the temporary discomfort. Each time I get the opportunity to speak, however small, I'm gaining more confidence, and I can feel the fear getting smaller each time. I'm now doing things I haven't done for many years, because I'm not letting the fear hold me back any longer. It's very empowering to have this knowledge: that you can still have a public speaking phobia, yet no longer let it affect the quality of your life. If I can do it, anyone can.

If you are suffering from stage fright, this is the book that will help you! I have been suffering at the point of despair (or beyond!) from my stage fright for some years - until purchasing this book from Amazon just a few weeks ago ... I have been making my way through it, and it is turning my life around for the better! Ms. Esposito writes so clearly and simply, and the book is organized in easy-to-read chapters (so it's not in huge, intimidating chunks) - and it is written so compassionately and kindly! Her language is down to earth ... and she herself used to have stage fright - so she writes from the perspective of someone who really does understand the depth of what a person having stage fright is experiencing internally ... and she helps one understand how to overcome this, step by step. She helps you work your way through your own personal situations, and guides you to healing from this affliction in your own, personal way. At just half-way through this book I am already finding healing, relief, confidence and peace that I thought I had lost for good! As the title proclaims, this book really does help one get over stage fright - it's worth its weight in gold! Thank you, Ms. Esposito! I highly, highly recommend this book!

I found the holistic approach in this book incredibly helpful. It made me to realize that some of my habits were exacerbating the symptoms that arise due to my public speaking anxiety. For example, I tend to skimp on sleep and de-prioritize exercise when my work schedule becomes hectic. After reading this book, I gained a new perspective. Of course I always knew that sleep and exercise are important, but once I realized how they were affecting my public speaking fear (which I saw as a huge hurdle in my life), it provided a great impetus to change my ways! I also had some bad habits with regards to how I treated myself mentally. I am a bit of a perfectionist and used to use a lot of negative self-talk when I made mistakes. Again, I always knew this was not ideal, however, I struggled with changing this natural reaction. This book helped me understand how I could retrain my brain and I really see a positive difference in my life!

This book is required reading for anyone dealing with stage fright. When I was reading it, as well as her other book, "In the Spotlight," I was amazed how much it described my feelings when faced with delivering a speech. No one or anything had described myself so perfectly with what I face. In response to these feelings, Janet provides on-the-mark and helpful strategies to lessen the feelings of fright. I strongly recommend this book and her other book for anyone grappling with performance anxiety.

Janet's book is a good continuation to her previous book "In the spotlight". It is designed for people with fear of public performance in general such as giving a speach, singing or performing. Her methods are solid and tried giving depth to her writing. The book provides ample excercises providing the reader a path to self train. The combination of this book and the other one are a must to anyone with a goal to conquer puclic performance.

I read Janet's first book and really thought that it gave some great tips. This book is good too, however I had to reduce the rating due to the section on channeling the spirit of Abraham. In my opinion the section on channeling spirits negated and lowered the credibility of the entire book. Also, although I like to hear about other people's successes with the program I felt like the end was an infomercial to sell other services.

Janet teaches very helpful and practical techniques to combat your fears. I highly recommend this book.

Breathe deeply as much as you want, but have your propranolol handy to keep your palms from sweating.

I have suffered from stage fright so much so that I avoided doing any performance until I was in my 30s. I bought Janet's book "In the Spotlight" and in the first page I was shocked at how it made so much sense to me. I can remember slamming the book down quite overwhelmed by how every sentence resonated for me - I was afraid of how real this book appeared to me. Now, 10 years later although I have moved on a lot with my performance anxiety I find myself reviewing it and as a result purchasing her latest book "Getting Over Stage Fright". This lady really knows what she is talking about when it comes to performance anxiety, she's the most experienced person I have come across during my personal development (I dont work for her btw ;). She's so right about the importance of accepting our nerves as being normal, in fact you should be more worried if you dont have any nerves (no nerves can = a flat performance). She also really normalises the experience of feeling nervous which is something I think blocks us greatly from dealing with it - we think its wrong to feel it, that it someway makes us a lesser human being in our eyes as well as in the way other people see us - Janet spins this around and believe me its liberating to read it. In her latest book she cleverly divides the chapters into Body, Mind and Spirit (involving the whole person) and gives practical advice as to how to deal with your nerves. This is exactly what you need when dealing with performance anxiety - you wont need anything else other than the opportunity to perform where you can practice what you have learnt from this book. The only downer for me is that I wish I could afford to fly to America and do one of her courses - this book is the next best thing.

I have suffered from stage fright so much so that I avoided doing any performance until I was in my 30s. I bought Janet's book "In the Spotlight" and in the first page I was shocked at how it made so much sense to me. I can remember slamming the book down quite overwhelmed by how every sentence resonated for me - I was afraid of how real this book appeared to me. Now, 10 years later although I have moved on a lot with my performance anxiety I find myself reviewing it and as a result purchasing her latest book "Getting Over Stage Fright". This lady really knows what she is talking about when it comes to performance anxiety, she's the most experienced person I have come across during my personal development (I dont work for her btw ;). She's so right about the importance of accepting our nerves as being normal, in fact you should be more worried if you dont have any nerves (no nerves can = a flat performance). She also really normalises the experience of feeling nervous which is something I think blocks us greatly from dealing with it - we think its wrong to feel it, that it someway makes us a lesser human being in our eyes as well as in the way other people see us - Janet spins this around and believe me its liberating to read it. In her latest book she cleverly divides the chapters into Body, Mind and Spirit (involving the whole person) and gives practical advice as to how to deal with your nerves. This is exactly what you need when dealing with performance anxiety - you wont need anything else other than the opportunity to perform where you can practice what you have learnt from this book. The only downer for me is that I wish I could afford to fly to America and do one of her courses - this book is the next best thing.

Amazing book, a collection and summary of very useful ideas, teachings, so you have a good chance that you find that works for you the best (and one might do further studies on some of then to get maximum benefit and understanding). Very highly recommended book!