Hi Ashley, thanks for your support. I think, for me, I need to "ground myself" before an event like this. I don't need to practise what to say as speaking extemporaneously is not a problem for me. I do, however, need to close my eyes, take some deep breaths, and remember why this is important - all the reasons: not letting people down, being proud of myself, losing weight, being healthy, saving money.... If I take the time for a few quiet moments before the event, I don't feel anxious about how it will go. Being in a very upscale restaurant where the server refilled my water glass every few minutes also helped a lot!
