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Author: Dr. David Lee Fish
Speech Fright Science: What Happens in the Brain?
Stage fright, also known as performance anxiety, is a common experience. Even seasoned performers can feel it. This post will explain the science behind stage fright, focusing on what happens in the brain. Understanding these processes can help us better manage and support those who face this challenge.
What Is Stage Fright?
Stage fright is the intense fear or anxiety someone feels before or during a performance. This can include speaking in public, acting, singing, or even presenting in a meeting. The fear of being judged or making mistakes often triggers this anxiety.
Stage Fright Science: The Brain’s Response
When we experience stage fright, our brain reacts like we are in danger. This response is rooted in our fight-or-flight mechanism. This mechanism is designed to protect us from threats.
Stage Fright Science: The Role of the Amygdala
The amygdala is a small, almond-shaped part of the brain that is crucial in processing emotions, especially fear. When you think about performing, the amygdala detects potential danger and sends a signal to other parts of the brain, initiating the fight-or-flight response.
Learn more about the amygdala’s role in emotions at Harvard Health.
Stage Fright Science: The Hypothalamus and Fight-or-Flight
The amygdala communicates with the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus maintains the body’s balance, including hunger, thirst, and temperature. When the hypothalamus receives the danger signal, it activates the sympathetic nervous system. This system prepares the body to either fight the threat or flee from it.
Stage Fright Science: Adrenaline Surge
Once the sympathetic nervous system is activated, the adrenal glands release adrenaline into the bloodstream. Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a hormone that prepares the body for quick action. This surge of adrenaline causes several physical symptoms associated with stage fright:
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Dry mouth
These symptoms are your body’s way of dealing with a perceived threat.
For a detailed explanation of adrenaline’s effects, visit Mayo Clinic.
The Prefrontal Cortex: Thinking and Decision-Making
The prefrontal cortex, located at the front of the brain, is responsible for thinking, decision-making, and controlling emotions. When the amygdala triggers the fight-or-flight response, the prefrontal cortex tries to assess the situation rationally. However, the surge of adrenaline can overwhelm this part of the brain, making it hard to think clearly and stay calm.
Stage Fright Science: The Role of Cortisol
In addition to adrenaline, the adrenal glands also release cortisol, a stress hormone. Cortisol helps maintain the body’s alertness and energy levels during stressful situations. However, high levels of cortisol over time can lead to negative health effects, such as anxiety and depression.
Physical Symptoms and Their Impact
The physical symptoms of stage fright can be quite overwhelming. These symptoms are not just in your head; they are real physical reactions. Understanding these symptoms can help you manage them better. Here are some common symptoms and their impact:
- Increased heart rate can make you feel more anxious and out of control.
- Rapid breathing can lead to hyperventilation, causing dizziness and lightheadedness.
- Sweating can be embarrassing and make you feel self-conscious.
- Trembling can affect your ability to hold objects or speak clearly.
- Dry mouth can make speaking difficult and uncomfortable.
Conclusion: Embracing Stage Fright Science
Stage fright is a common experience in the brain’s natural response to perceived threats. By understanding the roles of the amygdala, hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex, adrenaline, and cortisol, we can better appreciate the complexity of this condition. This knowledge can also empower us to effectively develop strategies to manage stage fright.
To learn about the true solution for stage fright, explore the 5-Day Stage Fright Solution.
History of Stage Fright in the Performing Arts
Stage fright—also known as performance anxiety—has been part of the performing arts for ages. Even seasoned actors, musicians, and public speakers can experience it. This phenomenon causes intense fear and nervousness before or during a performance. Here, we explore the history of stage fright, notable instances, and its impact on performing arts.
Ancient Beginnings: Stage Fright in Ancient Greece and Rome
The roots of stage fright trace back to ancient times. The earliest performances in ancient Greece and Rome involved large audiences. Consequently, the pressure to perform well was immense. Greek tragedies and comedies, performed in amphitheaters, could hold thousands of spectators. Actors needed to project their voices and emotions convincingly. Ancient texts suggest they experienced nervousness and anxiety, similar to today’s performers.
Ancient Greek Theater For more on ancient Greek theater, visit the Ancient History Encyclopedia.
The Shakespearean Era: Stage Fright on the Elizabethan Stage
During the Renaissance, stage fright was still common among performers. William Shakespeare‘s plays were performed in bustling theaters like the Globe. Thus, audience expectations were high. Despite their talent, actors often feared forgetting lines or failing to engage the crowd. Some would resort to drinking alcohol to calm their nerves before going on stage.
Learn more about Shakespearean theater at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
19th Century: The Rise of Celebrity Culture and Stage Fright
In the 19th century, celebrity culture in the performing arts rose significantly. Famous actors and musicians like Sarah Bernhardt and Franz Liszt were adored by fans. However, this adoration came with heightened expectations and pressures. Franz Liszt, a virtuoso pianist, suffered from severe stage fright. Despite his talent, he often felt anxious before performances, worrying about living up to his reputation. This era highlighted a paradox: the more celebrated the performer, the greater the anxiety.
For insights on Franz Liszt’s career, check out the Franz Liszt Society.
20th Century: Psychological Insights into Stage Fright
In the 20th century, psychology began shedding light on stage fright’s causes and effects. Sigmund Freud and other psychologists explored the human mind’s response to fear and anxiety. Performers like Laurence Olivier, one of the greatest actors of the 20th century, openly discussed their struggles. Despite his commanding presence on stage, Olivier experienced intense anxiety before performances. He even required medication to manage his symptoms.
Learn more about performance anxiety from the American Psychological Association.
Modern Times: Stage Fright in Contemporary Performers
Today, stage fright remains a universal experience. Even globally recognized artists like Adele and Barbra Streisand have spoken about their struggles. Adele has admitted to vomiting before some shows due to nerves. Barbra Streisand took a long hiatus from live performances after forgetting the lyrics to a song during a concert in 1967. This incident profoundly affected her.
For more about famous performers and their experiences with stage fright, visit Psychology Today.
The Impact of Stage Fright on the Performing Arts
Stage fright significantly impacts the performing arts. While it can be debilitating, it has led to greater understanding and support for performers. Many artists have developed methods for coping with stage fright, such as mindfulness and breathing exercises or seeking professional therapy. This ongoing dialogue helps demystify the condition and fosters a supportive environment within the arts community.
Notable Instances and Anecdotes of Stage Fright
- Sarah Bernhardt: Known as “The Divine Sarah,” she was one of the most famous actresses of the 19th century. Despite her fame, she often experienced stage fright, managing it by focusing intensely on her character and performance.
- Lucille Ball: The beloved star of “I Love Lucy” dealt with severe stage fright throughout her career. She often felt physically ill before performances but used her humor and professionalism to push through.
- Bette Midler: The multi-talented performer has openly discussed her battles with stage fright. She once said, “I get stage fright and gremlins that make me nervous, but I always try to look on the bright side and keep going.”
Conclusion: Embracing Stage Fright in the Performing Arts
Stage fright has been part of the performing arts for centuries. It affects everyone from ancient Greek actors to modern-day superstars. Understanding its history helps us appreciate the bravery and resilience of performers. While stage fright can be a formidable obstacle, ongoing conversations about it have led to better support systems. As we continue to explore this phenomenon, we can foster a more compassionate environment for performers everywhere.
Stage Fright: What You Absolutely, Positively Need to Know
[cs_content][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=”h1″ looks_like=”h1″ accent=”false” style=”color: hsl(80, 100%, 29%);”]STAGE FRIGHT: What You Absolutely, Positively Need to Know[/x_custom_headline][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h2″ accent=”false” style=”color: hsl(0, 0%, 40%);”]to find your way beyond it[/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_section][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: 45px 0px 0px;”][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]Do you sometimes think you’re alone in getting stage fright?
It can certainly feel that way since so many performers, public speakers, athletes, and others suffer in silence. But, trust me, you’re far from alone.
Studies show that something like 75% of both performers and public speakers suffer from this menace.
Even 70% of professional orchestra musicians experience such intense fright that it mars their playing.
So you’re certainly not alone in becoming anxious when you perform.
You’ll come to realize it’s really not such a big number once you understand the root causes of stage fright. In fact, its prevalence makes total sense.
Understanding the root causes of stage fright also helps you appreciate why there’s no one-and-done cure for your nervousness.[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”false”]Three Factors[/x_custom_headline][cs_text]Three factors are always at play when you experience stage fright. [/cs_text][cs_icon_list][cs_icon_list_item title=”You perform, speak, or compete in front of others (an audience).” type=”check” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_new_tab=”false”]You perform, speak, or compete in front of others (an audience).[/cs_icon_list_item][cs_icon_list_item title=”The audience somehow judges you.” type=”check” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_new_tab=”false”]The audience somehow judges you.[/cs_icon_list_item][cs_icon_list_item title=”The judgment constitutes some sort of threat.” type=”check” link_enabled=”false” link_url=”#” link_new_tab=”false”]The judgment constitutes some sort of threat.[/cs_icon_list_item][/cs_icon_list][cs_text]The first of these factors, you perform, spea, or compete in front of an audience others, is pretty much a no brainer.
The second factor, the audience somehow judges you also makes sense if you keep in mind that the judgment can be either formal or informal. How enthusiastically an audience applauds is a type of judgment.
The second factor still holds true even if the audience doesn’t actually judge you, as long as you feel you’re being judged.
Stage fright hinges most on the third factor, the judgment constitutes some sort of threat. Despite being central to stage fright, it often goes unrecognized.
Nevertheless, you get nervous when you perform, speak, or compete because you’re somehow threatened by the audience’s judgment of you.
So, just remember this simple equation:[/cs_text][cs_text class=”cs-ta-center” style=”color: #649600;”]
Stage Fright = Audience + Judgment + Threat[/cs_text][cs_text class=”cs-ta-left”]This formula helps explain why there’s no one-and-done cure for the anxiety you experience as a performer.[/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_image type=”none” src=”https://goodbyebutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/standing-Fish-to-the-left-bust.png” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=”” style=”display: block;margin: auto;width: 70%;”][x_blockquote cite=”” type=”center”]Dr. David Lee Fish
educator, performer, author
& stage fright authority[/x_blockquote][x_gap size=”150px”][x_promo image=”https://stagefrightsolution.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/5DS-screens.png” alt=”” style=”margin-left: 5%;width: 90%;”]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][/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]
Anxiety Robs Australian Swimmers at Olympics
The Olympic Games in Rio should have provided Australian swimmers with lots of opportunities for glory. Going into the Games, there was even talk of them winning up to ten gold medals. The actual take turned out to be just a fraction of that.
Backstroke king Mitch Larkin took home one silver medal rather than two gold, freestyle star Cate Campbell came in sixth in 100m freestyle, and Cameron McEvoy came in worse at seventh in the men’s version of the same event. These provided the biggest disappointments for the Aussies, but there were others.
What happened to a team expected to do so much better?
Stage Fright
The head coach of the Australian team, Jacco Verhaeren, chalked up Campbell’s lackluster performance to nerves. He said the same about McEvoy. It was a candid admission.
It’s hard to find a different explanation for well-trained swimmers who had been the fastest in the world earlier in the year.
Is it possible that nerves could spell the difference between putting in a gold-medal performance and finishing as an also-ran? It seems plausible given that the separation in time between one swimmer and the next can be one one-hundredth of a second.
Fight, Flight or Flee
An online Yahoo Sports article about the Australian meltdown points out that both Campbell and McEvoy faltered at the beginning of their races. Campbell “flinched” and McEvoy “froze.” Both are classic symptoms of the fight, flight or freeze response associated with stage fright and other forms of performance anxiety, including the type of competition anxiety that athletes experience.
But why would the performance of Campbell and McEvoy be compromised by stage fright at the Olympics and not other competitions?
Three Criteria
As I explain in Understanding Stage Fright, three criteria are at play when performance anxiety strikes.
- You do something in front of others (an audience)
- They judge you on it (or at least you feel you’re being judged)
- The judgment constitutes some sort of threat
The first two of these criteria are certainly at play at the Olympics. Athletes perform for a worldwide audience of millions and judged on their performance down to the fraction of a second.
What varies from one athlete to the next is to what extent that judgment constitutes a threat (if you don’t do well). You can see in the relaxed demeanor of, say, a Usain Bolt before a race, that he feels no threat at all. Nor should he. After all, he’s proven time and again that he’s the fastest man on the planet.
For whatever reason, Campbell and McEvoy saw their races as constituting an elevated threat. And who can blame them? The hopes and dreams of an entire nation were riding on their backs in front of a worldwide audience.
Not Just Australian Swimmers
Competition anxiety likely plays a bigger role in determining the results at the Olympics than we realize. Television announcers occasionally make reference to it and a candid coach or athlete will sometimes fess up. However, it goes largely unrecognized, just as it does in other sporting events.
What do you think? Have you ever suffered from competition anxiety? Feel free to comment below.
Zayn Malik’s Stage Fright No Show
It was to be a triumphant moment as a solo artist fo former One Direction member Zayn Malik, but stage fright got in the way He had returned to the UK to appear at the Summertime Ball at Wembley Stadium along with Ariana Grande and Little Mix. At the last minute, though, nerves got the better of him, and he canceled his appearance.
Forthright
To his credit, Malik was forthright and even apologetic about why he bailed on his performance. He posted on Instagram:
To all those people who have been waiting to see me perform at the Capital Summertime Ball today. I flew into the UK last night to appear in my home country in front of my family, friends, and most importantly my UK fans.
Unfortunately, my anxiety that has haunted me throughout the last few months around live performances has gotten the better of me … with the magnitude of the event, I have suffered the worst anxiety of my career.
He went on to write, “I know those who suffer anxiety will understand, and I hope those who don’t can empathise with my situation.”
Why?
So, how is it that a veteran performer like Zayn Malik could experience such intense stage fright that he felt compelled to disappoint fans, renege on a contracted performance, and squander an important moment in his career?
Sadly, successful experience as a performer, even the sort of success Malik enjoyed with One Direction, doesn’t necessarily make one immune from stage fright.
With straightforward situations, acclimation often serves as an answer. You learn through experience that the source of your anxiety holds no real danger. When you do, your fear naturally melts away.
The Audience’s Judgment
Acclimation doesn’t tend to work with stage fright because the presence of an audience complicates things. Two criteria are at play when we experience stage fright. The first is that we do something in front of an audience. The second is that we are judged on it or at least feel we’re being judged.
And such judgment can often constitute a true threat. For Malik, it might be something like the audience deciding that he’s not as good of a performer solo as he was a member of One Direction (given what he says about his anxiety “throughout the last few months.” That could be a career-damaging judgment. It would also be quite understandable if he had such stage-fright inducing thoughts running through his head in the run up to the Summertime Ball.
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So, what do you think? Are you a fellow sufferer of anxiety who understands Malik’s dilemma? If not, do you at least empathize with it?
NYT Article on Smart Apps for Stage Fright
A recent article in the Personal Tech section of the New York Times reviews a number of smartphone apps that supposedly help people deal with their stage fright. While the apps considered are interesting, none really get to the heart of the problem with stage fright and are of limited help.
Speech Fright: Reporter Reinforces Common Misconception
Donna Vickroy writes about her battle with speech fright in a recent online article for the Chicago Tribune. The piece underscores just how intrusive performance anxiety can be when Vickroy is confronted with giving a eulogy at her aunt’s funeral. It also reinforces a common misconception about nervousness being the source of excitement.
Back in the B.C. days
The most interesting part of Vickroy’s article is a curious observation by speaker and coach Jerilyn Willin about the roots of speech fright.
We have a picture of ourselves that we want other people to have as well. A lot of people don’t have that fear when addressing a group if they’re seated. . . . I have no proof of this, but I think it’s some evolutionary thing about being exposed in the moment. Like with hostile tribes back in the B.C. days.
Common misconception
Willin goes on to make a common assertion about speech fright, “You don’t ever want the nerves to go away. That’s what helps you bring passion to your voice.”
I’ve tackled this idea in a recent post you can find here. In a nutshell, people who believe that anxiety equals excitement are confusing two states that have the same autonomic symptoms. We can tremble with both excitement and fear. It doesn’t mean they’re the same thing or even closely related.
Plus, there are times that excitement is not appropriate when we speak, perform, or compete, like when giving a eulogy at a funeral.
Feel free to weigh in by leaving a comment below.
The Yips & Ernie Els
The yips finds Ernie Els. Millions have watched The epic meltdown in the day since it has happened. Four-time major champion Ernies Els wound up six putting from under three feet for a nine on the opening par four at the Masters.
How could this possibly happen to such a successful veteran golfer?
In an interview after his round for the day, Els chalked up the embarrassing moment to nerves.
Threat
Els’ explanation seems reasonable even for such a seasoned when we consider the three criteria at play when performance anxiety strikes. The first is that you do something in front of others. Second, you are judged on it—or at least feel you’re being judged. Third, the judgment constitutes some sort of threat. Els must have experienced all of this during his epic fail.
Even such a seasoned golfer would have suddenly felt he was being scrutinized when he missed the first easy putt, and this constituted a threat to his professional reputation. That threat only increased as he kept missing the hole with subsequent shots.
Maladaptive
The fight, flight or flee response would have immediately kicked in when Els felt an imminent threat, flooding his body with adrenaline. This is the body’s autonomic response to perceived danger. The body prepares to take physical action, like fighting or running away.
The fight, flight or flee response is great if you need to run away from a bear. However, it can be downright maladaptive if the threat is less physical and more existential. Els certainly might have thought about running from the green during his meltdown, but that was no option. Instead, with the yips clouding his thinking and sending fine motor skills out the window, he had to try to concentrate on sinking his golf ball into the hole.
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What do you think? Feel free to join the conversation by leaving a comment.
Stage Fright & Speech Fright: Infographic of Surprising Facts
When it comes to speech fright and stage fright, there’s likely quite a bit you don’t know. I certainly didn’t until I started studying it extensively to create Goodbye Butterflies.
Learning more about the anxiety of speaking, performing, and competing in public can serve as an important first step in finding your way beyond this needless menace.
To that end, I’ve created the following INFOGRAPHIC. Enjoy and share with others you think might benefit from it.
Also, please leave a comment below if you’re inspired to do so.
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[x_image type=”none” float=”none” src=”https://stagefrightsolution.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/GB-infographic-final.png” alt=”Performance Anxiety Infographic” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover”]
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