Number seven on the list of people’s fears is fear of stage fright. Other names it goes by are performance anxiety. Simply stated it is aroused by having to perform in front of an audience. In some varying degree or another this common (and easy to fix phobia) attacks,  performers,  public speakers, actors and politicians

 Although some people may present a slight apprehension when performing on stage, the fear of stage fright might also be linked to deeper issues like a social anxiety disorder or fear of social events
as a whole.

In some cases, fear of stage fright also presents itself in events where the individual presumes himself or herself to be performing in public – like having to talk in front of a camera… to their fellow workers… or to your employees.

                         Fear of Stage Fright Symptoms

 As mentioned, fear of stage fright is something a lot of people experience but in varying levels. For  example, those who experience the problem are still capable of performing in public, albeit they have a slight discomfort doing it.

In cases like these, the most likely manifestation of fear of stage fright include sweating, increased heart rate, tremors, stammering and even freezing on the spot.

When it gets worse, some people with fear of stage fright experience facial nerve tics, erectile dysfunction, dry mouth, diarrhea and the need to urinate. Fainting might also occur in extreme cases as well as  difficulty in breathing. As you can probably tell fear of stage fright varies from person to person.

                         The Root of What Causes This Problem

Naturally, fear of stage fright happens to professional performers seen in public.  But what happens to the average person who gets it just by everyday living.  It usually destroys that person’s confidence. A good example of an average Joe getting a fear of stage fright is having to go on a job interviews.

When this occurs it’s usually attributable to social anxiety disorder. For others however, stage fright roots from rational reasons such as fear of showing failure especially in front of various people.

Fear of stage fright starts when a person contemplates the possibility of failing and the embarrassment it would cause to be seen making a mistake. This is followed by the need to perform well, hence putting undue pressure on a person. Uncertainty about what to do also causes individuals to feel fear of stage
fright.

 How to Prevent Fear of Stage Fright

Good news, you can overcome this phobia and be  peak performer. Fear of stage fright is much like flying – once a person gets used to the motions of the plane, the level of anxiety decreases. The best way to deal with it is routine exposure. For those who only have to “perform” occasionally, the best way to prevent fear of stage fright is to deflect focus.

When a person performs, they are usually acutely aware of their own actions – hence, the undue pressure and fear of stage fright. This can be stopped by soaking in the presence of other people and not looking at them as judge and jury of one’s actions.