Merriam Webster defines fear as an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger. Why do we associate fear with public speaking when there is really nothing dangerous about it? If you think about all the dangerous things in the world, walking onto a stage and talking is low on that list. However, this kind of fear ranks right up there with death.
I remember the first time I experienced profound anxiety and fear before I went on stage. I was 13 years old. I was competing in the Petite Jr. Miss Dance competition in St. Louis, Missouri. I don’t know why I was nervous, but I remember being terrified. Nothing happened to me, I went on to the stage, danced, bowed and lived. I did win, happily being crowned the title, which was the start of my long career in showbiz.
