Performance Anxiety Defined

Performance anxiety occurs when fears of being ridiculed or rejected interferes with optimum performance before an audience. Sometimes the degree of nervousness is minor such that little if any impact occurs on the performance. In fact, a certain amount of such nervousness on such occasions is considered “normal.” Other times, unsettled feelings take over so that the presenter retires from the scene in acute shame and embarrassment. Performance anxiety stands out from others types of anxiety because it pertains particularly to the anticipated reactions of a co present, live audience. Hence it strikes performance artists, public speakers and anyone else who must make some kind of public presentation. The anxiety felt is especially likely to apply to fear of negative evaluation.