Can schools help overcome stage fright in students?

For many students, the idea of walking onto a stage – heart pounding, eyes staring – can feel more terrifying than any exam. Stage fright is real, and it often starts young. But what if schools could turn that fear into confidence?

From class presentations to debates and annual day performances, schools are where public speaking nerves first show up – and also where they can be gently handled. With the right exposure, support, and encouragement, students can not only overcome their anxiety but actually learn to enjoy being in the spotlight.

Small steps to big confidence

One of the most effective ways schools can help students manage stage fright is through early and repeated exposure. Be it a poem recitation in Class 2 or anchoring a school event in Class 10, every small opportunity helps build familiarity with an audience. Over time, students become more confident in their ability to express themselves – whether they’re speaking, singing, or performing.

Encouraging participation without pressure is key. A child who hesitates to speak today may be leading a school play tomorrow – if only they are given a chance to try, fail, and try again.

From assemblies to self-assurance

Achin Narula, an alumnus of Apeejay School, Pitampura (Batch 2004), says his confidence in facing national television came from humble school assemblies. “We had a culture of reading news and conducting quizzes during morning assembly,” he recalls. “I used to prepare and speak in front of the entire school. That regular exposure made me comfortable with being seen and heard.” Years later, when he appeared on Kaun Banega Crorepati and won ₹7 crore, he credited that same early training for helping him manage nerves under pressure.

His story is a reminder: stage confidence isn’t innate. It’s built – quietly, gradually – through practice and encouragement.

Why it matters

Stage fright doesn’t just affect school performance. It shapes how a person interacts with the world – in interviews, presentations, and group settings. By offering structured opportunities like debates, elocution contests, theatre, and group discussions, schools can transform a student’s relationship with public speaking.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s participation.

Because when a child learns to find their voice on a small stage, they’re more likely to hold their own on life’s bigger platforms.