What Causes Stage Fright and Fear of Public Speaking?

This article suggests that the fear of public speaking is triggered by two factors, one is that we expect to be perfect and second is fear of judgement or embarrassing moments. The fear is a high intensity emotion or surge of energy that is trying to flow through the body when we are about to present. The body needs to two things to make a presentation without fear, one is the energy which we have plenty of but the second is the ability to express the energy, which we ultimately lack. When the energy can flow through and out of the body, then the tension and anxiety can be turned into passionate expression. An extension of this article also suggests 3 biological reasons behind the fear of public speaking which are dry mouth, short term memory loss, and sweaty palms.

http://www.self-expression.com/speaking-freely/what-causes-stage-fright-and-fear-of-public-speaking/