Stage Fright: What You Absolutely, Positively Need to Know

Picture of David
David
Dr. David Lee Fish is a performer and veteran educator with a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. He is the author of The 5-Day Solution, a groundbreaking approach to overcoming performance anxiety, and the founder of College Music Major, an educational consultancy for aspiring musicians.

Excerpt

Stage Fright: What You Absolutely, Positively Need to Know

[cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px;padding: 0px 0px 45px;”][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”2/3″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”mbm”]Autonomic Nervous System[/x_custom_headline][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/3″ style=”padding: 0px;”] [/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”2/3″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]The symptoms of stage fright are largely the manifestation of the brain’s autonomic nervous system (ANS) preparing the body to fight or flee whenever it perceives a threat.

It reacts instantly and without conscious thought, largely through the release of adrenalin into the bloodstream. That’s what causes your heart to pound and your breathing to become labored in addition to the other physical symptoms you suffer.

That’s how I know you perceive a threat when you experience stage fright. If you didn’t, the ANS wouldn’t kick in to cause your symptoms.

Here’s a fun fact, by the way. Autonomic means “occurring involuntarily or spontaneously.” That means we don’t have much direct control over the autonomic nervous system.

If it perceives a threat, you’re going to experience the symptoms of stage fright.[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false” class=”mbm”]What Threat?[/x_custom_headline][cs_text]So, getting nervous when the stakes are high makes sense, like during a make-or-break audition or an important performance.

What’s mysterious about stage fright, though, is that it can even strike when the stakes don’t seem all that high.

Even at such a time, you’re still sensing a threat. And it’s a true threat that represents a deep danger to you as a performer. It’s just buried under layers of less consequential surface worries.

(Continue on to the next page to understand why all of this means there’s no one-and-done cure for stage fright.)

[/cs_text][/cs_column][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/3″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_promo image=”https://goodbyebutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/vocal-audition.jpg” alt=””]The Way Beyond Your Stage Fright

In just 5 days! Don’t let anxiety sabotage your next performance, presentation, or competition.

[button type=”flat” shape=”rounded” size=”large” href=”https://stagefrightsolution.com/5-day/” circle=”true” block=”true” title=”Example”]Tell Me More![/button][/x_promo][x_gap size=”100px”][x_promo image=”https://speechfrightsolution.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/dDS-monster-square.png” alt=””]How Bad is YOUR Stage Fright?

Find out in just 3 minutes!

[button type=”flat” shape=”rounded” size=”large” href=”https://stagefrightsolution.com/3-minute-quiz/” circle=”true” block=”true” title=”Example”]I Wanna Know![/button][/x_promo][x_share title=”Share this Post” share_title=”” facebook=”true” twitter=”true” google_plus=”false” linkedin=”false” pinterest=”false” reddit=”true” email=”true” email_subject=”Hey, thought you might enjoy this! Check it out when you have a chance:”][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_raw_content][/x_raw_content][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section]

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3
Facebook
Twitter
Email
Print

Find Freedom
from Stage Fright

Discover the 5-Day Solution!
Learn More

Latest Posts

  • Little School of Fish, llc
  • Durham, NC 27701​
  • info@littleschoolof.fish
Facebook Twitter Google-plus

Copyright © 2025 • Little School of Fish llc • Durham, NC

Dr. David Lee Fish

a performance anxiety expert with a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, combines academic rigor with personal experience to help individuals overcome stage and speech fright through his acclaimed 5-Day Stage Fright Solution, harnessing the proven power of mindfulness.

Dr. David Lee Fish, a respected authority on performance anxiety, has dedicated his expertise to helping individuals overcome the needless menace of stage fright and speech fright. Five years ago, he channeled his know-how into The 5-Day Stage Fright Solution, a book that garnered widespread acclaim and enthusiasm. The success has inspired Dr. Fish to develop a new online course based on the same revolutionary method, offering a beacon of hope and empowerment to those grappling with performance anxiety.

The 5-Day Solution harnesses the simple, effective, proven power of mindfulness, a unique aspect of Dr. Fish’s approach that sets it apart. It underscores Dr. Fish’s commitment to practical and accessible solutions.

Dr. Fish’s long tenure as a professor at Catawba College in North Carolina was marked by a steadfast commitment to empowering performers and public speakers to conquer their fears as key to maximizing their full potential.

With a Ph.D. in musicology from the University of Michigan, Dr. Fish combines academic rigor with a practical, hands-on approach. He has authored numerous articles and presented at national conferences on topics related to performance anxiety, offering strategies proven to alleviate stage fright and speech fright. This academic background instills confidence in his clients, knowing they receive the highest level of expertise.

Dr. Fish’s interest in performance anxiety is not just academic; it’s deeply personal. Having grappled with anxiety as a performer and public speaker, he understands the struggle firsthand. This personal journey fuels his passion for helping others overcome their stage and speech fright, and his empathy and understanding make his clients feel supported and hopeful.

Dr. Fish’s expertise has been recognized in the media, where he shares his knowledge on overcoming performance anxiety. His compassionate and practical approach has transformed the performance experiences of numerous individuals, solidifying his position as a trusted authority in the field.

Praise for the 5-Solution book

The book version of Dr. Fish’s 5-Day STAGE FRIGHT Solution has received high praise for its practical tips and effective techniques in tackling the fear of public speaking (performance anxiety). Reviewers appreciate it’s wide applicability, the engaging writing, and the way the book addresses the root causes of stage and speech fright with proven solutions.

“When I was younger, public speaking was one of my greatest fears! I wish I had this resource back then.” —KC

This self-help book resonates with a lot of people who struggle with stage fright. A great read!”  —AL

It was like this book was calling out to me!” —DB

“A book that covers an important part of today’s life where people need to express themselves to succeed. Has come in handy in my life.” —AK

“A great do-it-yourself book that can help anyone with anxiety.” —SH “Really helpful for my peer interactions and work.” —SH

“Stage fright could destroy a career at some point, hence, I’m going to recommend this to anyone I know sufferingfrom it.”  —NG ‘

“I love that it gets to the root of the problem.” —KR “highly recommended to everyone who wants to improve themselves for public speaking and doing presentation be it in university or at work.” —MK

“Author David Lee Fish, Ph.D. comes to this brief but impressive self-help book on overcoming stage fright with excellent credentials.” —BL

“This book is really helpful and real. It helps me overcome my nervousness on stage.” —GC

“Helpful in any situation you have to stand/sit before people you don’t know to perform.” —LJ

“Useful to everyone, especially students having their thesis defense and reports.’ —RI

“I feel like this book is for me. It can still help me and everyone else who has to confront his emotions on stage.” —LU

“Written by an authority is something that cannot be missed.” —MC “This book could help millions, even me.” —KM

“A wonderful book that is timely and helpful not only to me but to all.” —AN “A must-read for all those people having stage fright.” —PM

“Wonderful and useful for a lot of people that struggle with stage fright.”—MS “Engaging and funny.”—RG

“Wow as in wow!”—JG

“Very helpful in preparing students to face oral examinations.” PR “Just what I needed.” —NC 

“Very timely, just the book I was looking for.”—ZH “A great present for a recent college grad anxious about interviewing for jobs.” —AS

“This book is filled with so many amazing tips that I can look back on my experience now and feel silly about all of the mistakes I made and the simple solutions I could have used.” —JP 

“Identifies the root of stage fright and eliminates it through the author’s personal experience, professional knowledge, proven and tested solutions, and clearly defined techniques.” —MM

“Incredibly written with good tips on stage performance and public speaking.” —LI

“This book could help in many situations, not just public speaking!” —PM

“Want to get over your horrible fear of public speaking? Get a copy of this book.” —BG

“I know this can be a lifesaver for many of you out there! Grab yours now!” —SM

“A really helpful book for those who have anxiety when speaking in front of many others.” —RB

“I suggest you read this nonfiction masterpiece.” —SK

“Almost everyone has to deal with stage fright and this book is a perfect one to deal with it.” —SA

“A great self-help book for those who experience stage fright or insecurity when addressing a group of people. Thanks to the author!” —TA

“You can now cope with nervousness when speaking in public with the help of this book! Get your copy now!” —AM 

“A remarkable book offering precious advice and strategies to help us cope with one of the things that make most humans nervous. You can learn how to relax not letting your nerves get the best of you from this book.” —KC

“When you read this book, you will achieve your full potential as a performer or a public speaker.” —BP

A very interesting book that will help you overcome stage fright.” —KK

“A great source for people who suffer from anxiety.” —TR

“A well-written book that will help you overcome stage fright.” —RW

“This book could help in many situations, not just public speaking occasions.” —RA “

The cover is hilarious but with a serious message for many people.” —IA