Performance Anxiety

During an interview, the Dalai Lama was asked how he deals with anxiety or nervousness before a public talk or teaching. After quiet reflection, his holiness replied:

"I think having proper motivation and honesty are the keys to overcoming those kinds of fear and anxiety. So, if I am anxious before giving a talk, I'll remind myself that the main reason, the aim of giving the lecture, is to be of at least some benefit to the people, not showing off my knowledge. So, those points I know, I'll explain. Those points which I do not understand properly -- then it doesn't matter, I just say, 'For me, this is difficult.' There's no reason to hide or to pretend. From that standpoint, with that motivation, I don't have to worry about appearing foolish or care about what others think of me. So, I've found that sincere motivation acts as an antidote to reduce fear and anxiety."