The science of stage fright (and how to overcome it) – By Mikael Cho

https://ed.ted.com/lessons/the-science-of-stage-fright-and-how-to-overcome-it-mikael-cho

Is stage fright worse than dying? Some of us think so. It’s our ancient amygdala/hypothalamus kicking in with the primitive ‘flight or fight’ reaction (I once escaped from a talk, have you?). We can fight by practicing, increasing familiarity and our confidence. Stretch your arms up and out and breathe. That helps too.

more on the limbic system: