It's called the Spotlight Effect: That exposed, vulnerable, all-eyes-are-on-you feeling. If you've ever clammed up at a meeting (because what if they hate your idea?) or sat out a dance (what if you look like a fool?) or changed into your gym clothes under a towel…these stories below are for you. We've got a woman who used to be hopelessly tongue-tied at parties—until she tried hypnosis. We've also got a 62-year-old who forced herself to model nude for an artist. A dance-phobic editor who learned to salsa up a storm. And some of the kindest, most de-inhibiting sex advice ever… But first, for those moments when you really are frozen in the spotlight, Martha Beck has the antidote: a no-fail, one-word cure. Here's looking at you!
