How To Handle Confrontation.(Interview)

Byline: INTERVIEWS BY DANIELLE PERGAMENT, ELIZABETH ANGELL, AND BROOKE LE POER TRENCH

Expert advice on throwing yourself a party, looking good at the gym, and more.

An Interview With Dana Perino

Perino has served in President George W. Bush's administration since 2001; she is currently the White House press secretary.

I've had my fair share of confrontations in the press briefing room, and some have been very intense. My gut tightens up whenever I know a challenging situation is coming my way, but I have learned not to lose my cool. Here's what works best for me:

Remove yourself. Ari Fleischer, President Bush's first press secretary, gave me some great advice when I started. He said that even though it may feel like reporters are attacking you personally, they're not. It is remarkable how heated it can get during the daily briefing, but after the questions wrap up, everyone goes back to pleasant--even friendly--relationships. I used to find that disconcerting, but once I learned not to take a negative comment or a raised voice to heart, I was able to respond with better, crisper answers.

Never let them see you sweat. People regularly ask me, "How do you stay so calm up there?" I tell them it's like being a duck: Above water it looks calm, but underneath, it's kicking like hell. Aggressive people can smell fear, and if they get a whiff, they'll ...