Clenching and trembling muscles define the initial level of stage fright. This happens---as do most of the other symptoms---because fear puts the body into "fight or flight" mode. This sends endorphins and adrenaline into the blood stream, giving us us the ability to take off fast or stand and defend ourselves. With your muscles coiled you're set to spring away or into action--which, of course, does nothing to improve your presentation about third quarter sales forecasts.
Sweating hands, trembling lips, dry mouth, dilated pupils, a constricted throat and shaky knees don't mean you're in love. It means you're in stage two of stage fright and probably scared out of your wits. Along with these nerve-wracking symptoms, the body decides that digesting food is a low priority, so the stomach stops working. Any food you've recently eaten sits like a rock in your stomach, creating the familiar "butterflies in the stomach" effect when nervous; it also makes you feel nauseous.
A boost in brain wave activity kicks in during stage three. Increased brain activity means your thinking is faster, sharper and much more clear. This is the kind of thinking you want as you try and sell the board on those great sales forecasts. In this stage you trip over your words, talk too fast and become generally confused as a rush of ideas comes one on top of another.
"Psychology Today" suggests some easy and effective tips to eliminate or minimize stage fright. Instead of being brave, before you go on simply admit you're afraid. Before your presentation, imagine yourself delivering it flawlessly, calmly and successfully. Make your symptoms worse. Clench your sweaty palms, shake harder if you're trembling. On stage you'll feel more relaxed with less severe symptoms than the ones you just went through. Pause and breathe deeply and slowly, both before the presentation and during.