As for Brazilians' fear of talking about sex, he says...

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Get over your own fear of talking about money.

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Instead of overcoming my fear of talking to strangers and doing interviews, I decided to wear a wire - a hidden microphone under my shirt - and for the next three years I recorded my life in secret.

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Some employees are even reluctant even to go out to lunch with co-workers for fear of being overheard talking about Goldman, said one person familiar with the matter.

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Because I still have a deathly fear of offending someone or talking about something way off-topic, I often hold my hand over my mouth in meetings to keep from speaking.

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Talking publicly about the topic brought fear of judgement for many including one person who agreed to speak only on the basis of anonymity.

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Moreover, the fear of losing favourable treatment in a bilateral agreement can deter governments from talking tough in multilateral negotiations.

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Contrast this with traditional companies that advise employees against talking company business even in company building elevators, for fear of non-NDAed visitors overhearing.

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What makes the occurrence worth talking about is that it acutely hits two topics: the psychology of fear and the nature of memory.

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