The nature of stage fright ,

Stage fright is a much-used term for a comparatively rare phenomenon. Few of us are really frightened by an audience. If we were, the inevitable would more frequently take place. Flight would follow fright, and we would run away. Most of us,

rather than being frightened, are more truly stimulated by an audience and the thought of having of having to face one. We may be excited and nervous, and somewhat concerned about our performance. But these elements do not, of themselves, constitute fear. To be sure, what happens to us physically and mentally when we are stimulated by an audience includes changes, which we also experience when afraid. A fear-like element is undoubtedly present. But the same element is present when we are experiencing pleasurable excitement and we anticipate good things. We are not afraid while waiting for the seconds to tick away before the time for our big date. We are intensely stimulated and we are excited. This is normal. Why, then, the confusion with fear or fright ?
Physical symptoms
We confuse intense stimulation with fear because parts of the picture are the same. The physical symptoms of fear may include rapid pulse, strong heart beat (palpitation), excessive perspiration, dryness of the mouth, trembling of the limbs (hands and legs), disturbances of secretion and excretion. All of this physical symptoms need not be present to cause the reaction known as fear, but usually two or more are present. In stage fright, the overt manifestations may include trembling of the arms and legs, quavering of the voice, random movements, and general lack of controlled and poised appearance. In general, the performer feels unstable, occasionally, he looks unstable.