What to Do: Be specific about what you need, whether that’s listening to you practice a speech or just showing up at the event, says leadership coach Peggy Klaus. “Unless you identify what it is you want, you probably won’t get it,” she says.

What Not to Do: Don’t assume people know how nervous and stressed you are, even if they are your close friends and family. “They’re probably just thinking, This is her dream come true — she must be over the moon,” says Klaus.

Sample Script: “I’m opening my new store on Thursday night, and I’m kind of scared about it. I would love for you to be there so I can count on seeing at least one friendly face.”