Why Does Public Speaking Make You Nervous?

The biochemical basis of your nerves — cortisol, adrenaline, and dopamine

Jerry Seinfeld once famously commented on public speaking -

“According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”

I remember the first time in my adult life I gave a speech. The first time since high school. As I looked our at the crowds expectant faces, I felt a bit of a shake in the legs, my heart pounding and an awful hot sweat. I felt stressed. I was surprised by the physical symptoms of stress that overtook me.

What is going on in the body during public speaking?

The Stress Side — Cortisol & Adrenaline

Physiological responses to anxiety, in this case induced by public speaking include increased shaking, heart rate, flushing of the skin or face, sweaty palms, and shortness of breath.

These reactions are the result of natural chemical processes in the human body.
When we perceive a situation as dangerous, certain physiological processes kick in instantly to help you escape…