Views of the art of public speaking. Why do I have a fear of public speaking?

2. You’re having a physiological response

For most people, the fear they experience is a result of a physiological response to a perceived threat. A large audience or intense situation might trigger the arousal of the autonomic nervous system, which could lead to your body having a fight or flight response. 

This can cause rapid breathing, shaking, and an increased heart rate, all of which make it harder to talk confidently. You may even be tempted to run away and exit the scary situation completely. Not to worry though, as later we’ll explore some strategies you can use to slow down this physiological response.