Lauren Bonvini is a Seattle-based stage fright coach who helps performers, speakers, and creatives work through performance anxiety and build confidence, presence, and self-trust. Most people believe the best way to deal with stage fright is to avoid situations that trigger it. If speaking up creates anxiety, they stay quiet. If presentations feel overwhelming, they avoid opportunities that require visibility. If performing or expressing themselves feels uncomfortable, they wait until they feel more confident before trying again. At first, avoidance can feel like relief. But over time, it usually strengthens the fear. The nervous system learns through repetition. When people repeatedly avoid situations connected to performance anxiety, the brain begins reinforcing the belief that visibility is dangerous. The avoided situation becomes increasingly unfamiliar, emotionally charged, and intimidating. This is why stage fright often grows over time instead of disappearing on its own.…