The Arousal Curve

The Yerkes-Dodson law describes an inverted U: too little arousal can make performance flat, while too much can overload attention. The useful zone depends on the task and the person. A high-energy sales pitch may tolerate more arousal than a delicate apology or a technical explanation.

This means many anxious speakers are not broken; they are over-aroused. The goal is not zero nerves. The goal is to keep arousal inside a useful range and point it toward the audience instead of toward self-monitoring.