Book 2, Question 46
Why Do We Get Stage Fright?
Stage fright happens when your brain turns its alarm up. Being watched can feel like danger, even when you are safe. The good news is that you can turn the alarm down.
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 2
More fun facts
- Stage fright is also called performance anxiety.
- It does not only happen on real stages. A test, a game, or reading aloud can feel like a stage too.
- Feeling nervous before a performance is natural and is part of your body's way of helping you do your best.
- Too much nervousness can make you feel cold or sweaty, give you butterflies, or make it hard to think.
- Young stars like Olympic gymnasts practice handling the jitters, not just the performance.
- Lots of people get nervous about talking in front of the class.
Sources: Cleveland Clinic, KidsHealth (Nemours)
Questions kids ask
Do famous performers get stage fright?
Yes. Even Olympic gymnasts and music soloists plan ways to handle their pre-performance jitters.