I hope you don’t mind me posting to your blog.

Fear management is the primary concern of anyone who suffers from anxiety. Fear of failure is definitely one of the main anxiety triggers for me.

There are a number of ways of dealing with it – from cognitive behavioural therapy to engaging in a bit of “Dutch Courage” – which of coruse can be problematic.

So I usually work out what *could* go wrong and then find a way to deal with each issue ahead of time.

If I had to herald, I’d make sure I had someone to hold a light over the manuscript (if it was at night). Makes sure I’d highlighted everything I had to say in a yellow highlighter. Make sure I had something to drink nearby to whet my whistle. And above all else, speak clearly, crisply and slowly. Speaking slowly gives you time to think ahead to where you need to be next.

I hope you did well with the Knighting and the awards that weekend?