Why do I get nervous when talking to people?

In many cases, social awkwardness comes from extreme anxiety. Social anxiety is more than just feeling shy. It's normal to feel nervous in some social situations, like going on a date or giving a presentation. However, if you feel significant anxiety, self-consciousness, or embarrassment in everyday interactions, you might have social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia. SAD is an intense, persistent fear of being judged or watched by others, and it can make it hard to do everyday tasks like talking to people at work or school. It can also affect your relationships and make it hard to make and keep friends. While public speaking doesn't present real physical dangers, social anxiety can trigger your stress response. Worrying about people judging you, making a mistake, or messing up an important professional opportunity are visceral fears that send messages to the brain to seek protection.