Speaking anxiety, commonly called stage fright, is based on a physiological response to the perception of danger. Two types of anxiety have been identified: (1) trait anxiety occurs as a general level of anxiety in any communication situation; and (2) state anxiety refers to anxiety in particular situations or settings. Several factors influence general apprehension including unrealistic goals, physical stressors, and cyclical anxiety. Among the things that can lessen anxiety are speaking as part of a team or panel, speaking to listeners who are perceived to be less qualified than you, and speaking in familiar surroundings. There are a number of steps that you can take before, during, and after you speak to manage your level of anxiety. New speaking contexts, such as online speaking, introduce new challenges to overcome.