Think Fast! 5 Ways to Perform Under Pressure

Lighten Up

"If your mind goes blank, laugh at yourself—it'll dissipate the tension in the room. When people are expecting me to be funny but I'm bombing, I'll pray to the comedy gods—out loud—to give me just one joke. Your audience can relate to the pressure you feel; they root for you. Plus, talking about being nervous takes your mind off being nervous, and then you can get on about your business."

—Sheryl Underwood, comedian and cohost of CBS's The Talk

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