Remember those moments in school when you knew the answer but didn’t raise your hand?
Or that business meeting where you disagreed with a colleague but didn’t have the courage to speak up in front of your boss?
Then there’s always that colleague who always has something to say, whether their comment is bright or not. And somehow, you envy them because they seem more confident than you.
You may have heard that stage fright, or fear of public speaking, is one of the most common fears among humans. But not everyone will stand on a stage. Most of us will face situations like those above , which is why we talk about the broader term: performance anxiety.
Performance anxiety appears in recurring situations such as business meetings, client conversations, presentations, and team discussions. Out of fear of making a mistake, looking foolish, or embarrassing themselves, individuals may feel unable to act, whether it’s sharing an idea, expressing disagreement, completing a task, or delivering a presentation.
Over time, this can lead to feelings of frustration, self-doubt, and even isolation. Avoidance may become a habit, which doesn’t just affect the individual but also the whole team, as unfinished tasks get redistributed, potentially causing stress and burnout.
Here’s the important part: we are not born either resistant or vulnerable to performance anxiety. Confidence can be built. The most effective tools are practice and experience.
Before your next class or work meeting, ask yourself: Who am I imagining in the room? Who am I afraid of looking foolish in front of? Often, the pressure we feel is far greater in our imagination than in reality.
Next time you feel the urge to speak, notice the feeling. Then try saying something. Positive feedback will build your confidence, making it easier the next time.
Because your ideas deserve to be heard.
