Renée presenting a speech to a large attendance at the National Arts Club, in New York, NY.

Some psychology experts say that the greatest fear most people have second to death is the fear of speaking in front of an audience. This does not surprise me. As a student there was only one subject I dreaded and that was my public speaking class.

When I counsel an artist and they express their fears about networking or learning about business or even speaking in front of an audience at their opening reception I am reminded of my own fears, especially as a shy artist, and how I have overcome them.

I was always eager to help artists become more empowered through information I had acquired about the business of being an artist, so in 1989 I began to present workshops for arts organizations. The first one I gave was at the Pleiades Gallery, an artist-run gallery. It is still in existence, in Chelsea.

When I arrived at the gallery their membership meeting was still in progress so I had time to wait. My heart began to pound so heavily I thought I would have a heart attack. For a moment I even thought about running out. Fearful thoughts raced though my mind, such as Am I crazy? Why did I agree to do this? What if they hate what I have to say and I make a fool of myself?

I looked down at my chest and my heart looked like it would jump out of my body. Then, I had an idea: I asked where the rest room was, went in and I did something that may surprise you – I forced myself to meditate for a few minutes. (Is that an oxymoron?) This helped a little, but I still felt anxious, my heart was still palpatating and my hands were sweating and shaking.

To my surprise, something happened half way through the talk. The artists actually looked to me like they were aroused, inspired and challenged. I saw that I had struck a cord. They asked many questions, which is always a good sign. At my conclusion, I received a resounding round of applause.

It would be a lie if I said that from that day forward I immediately overcame my fear of speaking in front of audiences. But, I persisted anyway, through the sweaty palms and all. What helped me wasthe fact that my desire to share and inspire others was more compelling than the fear I felt. So I continued to accept invitations to speak to arts groups at universities, museums and galleries. And, it gradually became easier. In fact, public speaking -- especially inspirational keynote speeches -- have grown to become one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of my career.

I love to see the proverbial light bulbs glow over people's heads when I look out at an audience. Knowing they chose to join me to take an adventure together to a new place of knowledge and discovery about ourselves is pure joy.

This reminds me of a wonderful quote by Alan Alda:

Before each talk I make it a practice to meditate on a very positive outcome. I organize my notes weeks ahead. I spend the day of my talk in a relaxed state. When I enter the theater or auditorium where I am to speak, while the organizers are scurrying around and attending to the audio equipment and lighting, I breathe deeply, smile, and look around the room at each member of the audience. I focus on my purpose. I feel a wave of love envelop me.

I still feel some butterflies fluttering inside me, but they are no longer the feelings of insecurity. They are the sensations of vitality and exhilaration.

If you are ever called upon to do something that will take you out of your comfort zone, I hope you will ride your fears and go ahead and do it anyway. And, don't give up after the first attempt. You never know where it might take you. Use the power of your mind. In the words of Dale Carnegie, "You can conquer almost any fear if you will only make up your mind to do so. For remember, fear doesn't exist anywhere except in the mind."

... and the great words of Eleanor Roosevelt: