Why we choke under pressure—and how to avoid it

From taking a test to pitching to a client, just about everyone knows the feeling of choking, or not performing their best, under evaluative eyes. But why does this happen? Why do we sometimes fail to perform up to our potential when under pressure?

Cognitive science researcher and current President of Barnard College Sian Leah Beilock is determined to discover how we can use our understanding of the mind to develop the psychological tools to help us always perform at our best. Watch Sian's 2017 TEDMED Talk to gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing performance and the tactics you can employ to overcome your nerves when the pressure is on.