Ever wonder why your heart pounds before speaking? Your body isn't broken - it's actually working perfectly.
When you're about to speak, your nervous system activates an ancient survival mechanism called the fight-flight-freeze response.
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What physical changes do you notice just before you speak?
This response evolved to protect us from real danger. When our ancestors faced predators, their bodies prepared for action: increased heart rate, sweaty palms, shallow breathing.
Your body can't tell the difference between a saber-tooth tiger and a presentation. Both feel like threats.
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Which physical sensation shows up first for you?
Here's what triggers this response when speaking: the spotlight effect. When attention focuses on you, your brain interprets this as potential social danger.
Your ancient brain thinks: "Everyone is watching me. I could be judged, rejected, or cast out from the group."
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Does this social threat feel familiar to you?
This explains why speaking to strangers often feels less scary than speaking to people whose opinions matter to you.
Higher stakes equal stronger threat detection. Your brain is trying to protect your social standing, which historically meant survival.
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When do you feel most nervous - with strangers or people you know?
The three responses work like this: Fight means getting aggressive or defensive. Flight means wanting to escape or avoid. Freeze means going blank or feeling paralyzed.
Most speakers experience freeze - forgetting words, mind going blank, or feeling stuck. This is completely normal.
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Which response sounds most familiar to your speaking experience?
