Nootropics for Public Speaking - Support to Relax and Excel

Have you experienced the nerve-wracking grip of performance anxiety? If so, you already know how this issue can limit your life enjoyment.

The good news: natural supplements for anxiety – including brain supplements called nootropics – may offer cognitive enhancement to improve mental functions, stress and mood for public speaking or any performance.

In this article, we’ll begin by exploring the concept of performance anxiety. We’ll then delve into nootropics for anxiety, taking a closer look at specific natural compounds that have shown potential in clinical studies. These nootropics may help with performance-related cognitive challenges like stress, anxiety, feelings of panic and brain fog.

Lastly, we’ll wrap up by showcasing a selection of supplements available in today’s market that feature the most effective nootropics for managing performance anxiety and promoting good public speaking. Our picks can be combined too, to create an advanced stack for performance anxiety relief and effective public speaking.

Ready to step into the spotlight with confidence? Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

• Nootropics may help performance anxiety and improve public speaking by reducing stress, enhancing focus, improving verbal language processing, and promoting calmness for greater confidence and clarity.
• Combining nootropics that reduce anxiety with those that enhance focus ("stacking") is a strategic broad-range approach for supporting calmness and mental sharpness during public speaking.
• Many nootropics for performance anxiety are non-stimulant: they reduce anxiety without nervousness or jitters, unlike caffeine or other stimulants.
• Individuals may experiment with different nootropic combos to find what works best for their specific anxiety and public speaking needs.
• Nootropics can complement other strategies for managing performance anxiety, such as mindfulness, breathing exercises and of course, practice!

Some top individual nootropics for performance anxiety & public speaking:

• L-Theanine: Known for promoting calmness and reducing stress without causing drowsiness, making it effective for easing anxiety during public speaking.
• L-Tyrosine: Supports the production of dopamine and norepinephrine, helping to maintain focus and mental clarity under stress, which is crucial during public speaking.
• Rhodiola Rosea: An adaptogen that helps the body manage stress, reducing fatigue and anxiety, which can improve confidence and performance under pressure.
• Bacopa Monnieri: Supports cognitive function and reduces anxiety, helping to enhance mental clarity and calmness during stressful situations.
• Phosphatidylserine: Supports brain health and reduces the stress response, helping to improve focus and reduce anxiety in high
• L-Tryptophan: This amino acid is associated with sleep, which is helpful before a presentation; it may also reduce feelings of apprehension.
• Magnesium: Helps relax muscles and calm the nervous system, reducing physical symptoms of anxiety such as tension and tremors.

Some top dietary supplements with nootropics for anxiety and public speaking:

• Mind Lab Pro: Best nootropic stack for anxiety overall; features 11 nootropics including most of the top anxiety nootropics we discuss in this guide.
• Performance Lab® Omega-3: Cleanest, most eco-friendly Omega-3s available, sourced from marine algae. It’s a great way to help promote overall brain health and healthy mood balance.
• Performance Lab® Prebiotic: This clean fiber supplement feeds the microbiome for enhanced production of calming neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. 
• Performance Lab® Sleep: Helps you out when anxiety is interfering with your sleep! Supplies magnesium, tart cherry, L-tryptophan and sea buckthorn to help induce sleep and relaxation at the same time.
• Performance Lab Magnesium: A dedicated supplement featuring ultramodern NutriGenesis magnesium, a cultured form bioengineered for easy and complete absorption.

We go into more detail on each of these nootropic supplements further down the page.

Note: Severe anxiety requires more than a supplement. When it comes to treating anxiety disorders, consulting with a doctor is critically important. In these cases, prescription medications may be offered, including beta blockers. This article discusses natural dietary supplements, only.

Top Nootropic Supplement for Performance Anxiety and Public Speaking: Mind Lab Pro®

Mind Lab Pro® (MLP®, the Universal Nootropic) is an ultramodern brain supplement that supplies 11 natural nootropics, including several of our top choices for helping public speaking apprehension or performance anxiety.

MLP® is a whole-brain booster designed to be a “Universal Nootropic.”

Because it optimizes the entire brain, MLP can flex to deliver whatever cognitive support you need, right when you need it. Imagine how useful that might be in the context of performance anxiety, social anxiety, or any other stressor.

In terms of general mental performance support, MLP is suggested to help with:

• Memory, learning, quick recall
• Concentration, productivity & focus
• Motivation, bright mood, clarity
• Mental energy (no caffeine though)
• Relaxation and stress resistance

Mind Lab Pro® includes cognitive enhancers that improve memory, mental clarity, and verbal fluency. These cognitive enhancers are designed to assist individuals in overcoming challenges like social anxiety by enhancing overall cognitive functions.

Overall, Mind Lab Pro is made to help your brain do everything better. Whether you are working, studying for an exam, competing at sports, socializing, and yes, doing presentations and performances as well. It is the most versatile and effective supplement you can take for all types of anxiety.

Get the Best Deal on MLP® Now

How Performance Anxiety Feels

It seems like a perfectly rational sort of fear.

You’re about to take an important test - like your SAT or GRE.

You’ve been invited to a party full of people you don’t know.

You’re trying to figure out what the heck you’re going to say before your turn at the poetry slam.

In these cases, anyone would naturally feel a little nervous.

Being spotlighted can be stressful, and during stress your brain’s “fight-or-flight” mechanism kicks in, making stage fright symptoms similar to those that occur when you’re actually in danger.

Physical symptoms of performance anxiety may include:(1)

• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Cold hands
• Trembling
• Blood pressure spikes
• Nausea
• Racing pulse
• Shallow breathing
• Vision changes

Performance anxiety can also affect verbal and visual memory, impacting one's ability to recall information during stressful situations.

People whose careers put them at the center of attention often experience performance anxiety. Even though we can’t see it, some of the most successful athletes, actors, musicians, and public speakers get super nervous before a big performance.

But for people who just can’t seem to get it under control, performance anxiety can seem like an insurmountable hurdle that makes us miss out on activities we enjoy and even affect our careers.

Different Performance Anxiety Scenarios

According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 5 adults in the USA has some type of mental health concern.(2) Anxiety disorders are particularly widespread, ranging from generalized anxiety disorder to social anxiety disorder and everything in between.

Entertainment and the Arts: Almost every entertainer has experienced stage fright at some time. Violin maestro Itzhak Perlman advises performers to understand how your nerves affect you before a performance so you can make adjustments during practice sessions rather than on stage.

Public Speaking: Fear of being criticized by others accompanied by physical and emotional sensations can seriously interfere with the ability to successfully deliver a speech or presentation.(3) Nootropics for verbal fluency may promote relaxation and verbal cognition, helping to improve verbal communication and reduce anxiety during public speaking.

Competitive Sports: Athletes deal with unique mental and physical demands. Physiological symptoms of athletic performance anxiety may include headaches, muscle tension, gastrointestinal issues, elevated heart rate and difficulty breathing.

In the Bedroom: Sexual performance anxiety is a common intimacy issue. Male sexual performance problems are talked about more often, but performance anxiety can curb female arousal, too.

At Work: Workplace performance anxiety affects people in all types of professions. The symptoms can be the same as other performance anxiety symptoms, but the triggers can vary from using the company toilet to giving a presentation in the boardroom.

Academic Anxiety: Anxiety is a common problem on college campuses. Some studies show that 80% of college students say stress interferes with their academic progress.(4) Excess anxiety interferes with concentration and memory, which are critical for academic success.(5) Learn about nootropics for studying and exams

How Nootropics for Performance Anxiety May Help You Perform While Anxious

So, what roles do anxiety supplements, including nootropics, play? What other mental health benefits might they offer? Some potential beneficial bioactivities from these dietary supplements include:

• Neurotransmitter effects: Supplements regulate brain chemicals, including those that control feelings of anxiety and relaxation. They can also enhance neural communication, thereby improving cognitive functions and reducing anxiety.
• Anti-stress effects: Some supplements for public speaking anxiety and other jitters work by improving your ability to manage stress, especially in the context of performance.
• Brain wave support: L-Theanine is a dietary supplement shown to modulate brain waves, helping the brain to reach a relaxed-but-alert state that is ideal for presentations.
• General mood support: Anxiety and stress can wreak havoc on mood. Supplements can help maintain a positive mood, which can go a long way to reduce anxiety symptoms.

Next, let’s explore some of the ingredients found in supplements for anxiety that deliver some of these benefits and may help you to perform better.

The Best Nootropic Ingredients for Cognitive Function

Many nootropic compounds found in brain supplements play a role in regulating mood.

Little research has been done on natural products for performance anxiety, specifically.

However, researchers have investigated numerous nootropics for their potential to help with general anxiety, stress, relaxation responses, mood balance, brain health and more.

As we cite research in the following list, consider how these nootropics' benefits may indirectly help with the symptoms of performance anxiety.

L-Theanine

L-theanine is a natural amino acid found in tea leaves with potential usefulness in managing performance anxiety. It popularly used to promote relaxation and reduce stress without causing drowsiness.

When taken as a supplement, L-theanine before presentation can help ease symptoms of stress and anxiety, such as nervousness, racing thoughts, and jitters.

L-theanine also fosters a calm and focused state of mind, making it particularly helpful for those facing situations that require sharp cognitive performance and clear thinking, such as exams or artistic performances. L-theanine public speaking benefits are also noted by some users.

L-theanine's non-sedating nature sets it apart from doctor-prescribed medications to treat anxiety. This positions L-Theanine as an attractive option for those seeking a natural and side-effect-free approach with supplements for racing thoughts and managing performance-related stress.

Did you know? L-Theanine is believed to support relaxation because it promotes calming neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. It also enhanced brain waves in the Alpha (8-14 Hz) frequency. Alpha brain waves are associated with calming, relaxing and tranquil feelings. Research suggests it may reduce heart rate, lower stress hormone levels and improve concentration, alertness, and mood; it also is suggested to have neuroprotective effects.(6)

Learn more about L-Theanine

Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa monnieri, a nootropic herb known as Brahmi, has shown promise in its potential usefulness for performance anxiety. This adaptogenic herb has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance cognitive function and reduce acute stress, benefits that can be helpful for performing while anxious.

Bacopa monnieri supplies a complex of active bacosides and antioxidants. It is believed to work by modulating the release of stress hormones, thereby promoting a calmer mental state and helping with anxiety. 

Bacopa is also thought to improve cognitive performance and enhance memory, which may translate to support for performance anxiety in academic, professional, or social settings.

Researchers have noted Bacopa appears to be linked to reduced stress.

Researchers have suggested it may support healthy mood, sharpen cognitive performance, reduce mild anxiety and regulate the stress hormone cortisol.(7)

While research on Bacopa monnieri’s effects on anxiety is still evolving, early studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that it may offer a natural and holistic approach to managing performance-related stress.

Did you know? Bacopa’s biggest claim to fame is that it is believed to help with many aspects of memory, including those strongly associated with learning and new knowledge retention. For these reasons, Bacopa may be an ideal nootropic supplement for students whose symptoms may manifest during exams.

Learn more about Bacopa Monnieri

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola is a root that may help strengthen mind-body resistance to stress because it's an adaptogen, a family of herbs known for decreasing cellular sensitivity to stress and balancing mood.

Rhodiola works via a complex interplay of neurotransmitters (stimulates dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine), energy metabolism effects, and also blunts the production of stress hormones like cortisol.

While it has not been studied for performance nerves, specifically, Rhodiola has shown some potential for helping with anxiety and mood in clinical studies. Researchers have suggested Rhodiola might:

• Support a healthy and positive mood in those struggling with mild-to-moderate mood concerns.(8)
• Help subjects with General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) to ease their anxiety symptoms.(9)(keep in mind that this is an early pilot study, only)

Rhodiola rosea's stress-fighting effects have long been prized by athletes. It seems to be a good choice for managing apprehension while excelling at performance and may be one of the leading supplements for public speaking anxiety.

Learn more about Rhodiola Rosea

Phosphatidylserine (PS)

Phosphatidylserine is a brain-healthy compound known as a phospholipid. Evidence shows that phospholipids are crucial for brain cell membrane health and regeneration.

As a phospholipid, Phosphatidylserine (PS) may improve brain function and cell-to-cell signalling called neurotransmission.(10)

Healthy brain cells help maintain clarity, balance mood, and improve concentration and focus. By helping to promote healthy brain cell function, PS supports communication within the brain and may help improve cognitive function under stress.

At least one study linked PS to a reduction in perceived stress levels and significant improvement in the number of good ball flights during tee-off among a group of young golfers, possibly leading to better golf scores. This research could indicate that PS may help prevent athletes to stay calm, cool and collected while pursuing peak performance.(11)

PS has also been suggested to help reduce symptoms of stress, potentially by regulating the stress hormone cortisol. One clinical trial found that subjects taking PS for 30 days appeared to alleviate stress symptoms and improve general mood.(12)

Learn more about Phosphatidylserine (PS)

Lion's Mane Mushroom for Verbal Fluency

Lion’s Mane Mushroom, also known as yamabushitake, is a brain-boosting nootropic that supplies active compounds called hericenones and erinacines.

Lion's Mane has gained recognition as a valuable nootropic, especially in the context of mood.

Recent research suggests that Lion’s Mane Mushroom’s support of NGF (Nerve Growth Factor) may offer a range of cognitive benefits, potentially including relief from anxiety-related concerns. This support extends to various cognitive functions such as memory, mental clarity, and overall brain health.

In a study, subjects were randomly assigned to either receive a placebo or a cookie infused with Lion’s Mane Mushroom extract for a four-week period.

Following this intervention, researchers conducted mental performance testing on participants and revealed that Lion’s Mane Mushroom may have the potential to mitigate symptoms of depression and anxiety. These results could represent a potential avenue for managing performance-related stress and anxiety.(13)

Learn more about Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Choline (as Citicoline)

Choline is a brain-healthy nutrient found in many of today’s top brain supplements and nootropic stacks.

In the context of performance, choline serves as a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that regulates anxiety and is crucial for memory, learning, and muscle control. Getting enough choline provides a stable foundation for cognitive function, potentially reducing nervousness, cognitive fog, and other challenges associated with performance anxiety.

Choline may also support overall brain health because it energizes brain cells and aids in the formation and maintenance of healthy cell membranes.

Additionally, choline supports working memory, which is crucial for tasks requiring quick information processing and retrieval, such as verbal fluency. The recommended form to look for is citicoline, which efficiently synthesizes phosphatidylcholine that promotes brain cell regeneration and brain cell repair.

There is some evidence backing the use of citicoline and choline supplements to help with feelings of apprehension. In one study, researchers concluded that study subjects who had higher levels of circulating choline appeared to experience less anxiety.(14)

Learn more about Citicoline

Prebiotic Fiber

Have you ever noticed you can feel performance-related nerves in your gut? The gut is so intertwined with mental health that it has been called the "second brain" by some scientists.

The gut's connection to the brain is explained by the microbiome: A colony of beneficial bacteria (probiotics) that inhabits the digestive tract.

Intriguingly, the microbiome is responsible for producing approximately 95% of the body's serotonin, a brain chemical associated with feelings of happiness and satisfaction.(15)

A research review reported that probiotics may help with mood issues in those with anxiety.(16)

Ultimately, boosting the microbiome may have a profound impact on overall health, including mental and emotional well-being.

While probiotics from fermented foods and supplements are known to support the microbiome, prebiotics may offer even more significant benefits. Prebiotic fiber feeds your microbiome, fostering the growth and flourishing of probiotics within your gut in a more reliable way.

Learn more about Prebiotic Fiber

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA & EPA)

Omega-3 fatty acids are known for numerous health benefits. They help cardiovascular wellness, central nervous system function, immune performance and far more -- including mood and mental health.

In one review that analyzed multiple human clinical trials, researchers discovered a trend: The Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA, specifically) appeared to help manage anxiety symptoms, with greater anxiety reducing benefits recorded in those who seemed to be struggling more.(17)

Tip: If you thought fish oil was the only supplement to supply Omega-3s, we've got good news. Today's most cutting-edge Omega-3 supplements are now sourced from plant origins. Algae is a particularly clean, efficient and eco-friendly source of EPA and DHA.

Learn about the best vegan Omega-3 supplements

Magnesium

Essential mineral magnesium is a key player in overall health, facilitating over 300 different biological activities in the human body. Among those many roles, magnesium regulates brain chemicals and relaxation responses that may help people who strive for reduced anxiety.

When it comes to brain chemicals, magnesium is sometimes used in GABA supplements. Also called gamma aminobutyric acid, GABA helps to regulate some aspects of relaxation, stress resistance and anxiety relief.

Magnesium has also been linked to the feel-good chemical serotonin, which may help you to better navigate stressful situations.

What does it all mean for feelings of apprehension? Some researchers have noted magnesium supplements appear to be helpful for boosting mindset (in people who are down in the dumps) (18); while other researchers have reported that in early studies, magnesium has shown potential to help stress related symptoms like apprehension.(19)

L-Tryptophan

L-Tryptophan, classified as an essential amino acid, holds a key role in the synthesis of serotonin. When the body is low on L-Tryptophan, it can lead to low serotonin production, potentially rendering individuals more vulnerable to anxiety and mood concerns.

Some researchers have suggested that there may be a connection between sufficient L-Tryptophan intake and the reduction of depressive and anxious mood states.(20)

This research seems to indicate that L-Tryptophan may regulate brain chemicals in a way that helps to relieve stress and anxiety-related symptoms -- including restlessness, tension, and excessive worry.

L-Tryptophan is also associated with healthy sleep, which may help with sleep quality and daytime performance problems that are induced by feelings of fear and apprehension.

The Best Supplement for Performance Anxiety: Mind Lab Pro®

If you are looking for a single product that supplies many of the top nutrients for performance anxiety discussed in this article, Mind Lab Pro (MLP) is it. This formula supplies:

• Citicoline, 250 mg
• Phosphatidylserine (PS), 100 mg
• Bacopa Monnieri, 150 mg (full-spectrum extract, 24% bacosides with 9 bioactives)
• Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom, 500 mg (fruit and mycelium)
• Maritime Pine Bark Extract, 75 mg: (Standardized to 95% proanthocyanidins)
• N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, 175 mg
• L-Theanine, 100 mg
• Rhodiola Rosea, 50 mg (Standardized to 3% rosavins and 1% salidrosides)
• NutriGenesis® B-Vitamins: Vitamin B6 (2.5 mg), Vitamin B9 (100 mcg), Vitamin B12 (7.5 mcg)

As a result of its far-reaching design, MLP functions as a whole-brain optimizer, capable of boosting any aspect of cognition, mental wellness, and overall brain health as needed.

With this one stack, you can support way more than just confident public speaking:

• Memory of all types; learning, recall, etc.
• Quick mental processing
• Focus, concentration and attention
• Overall brain health and brain anti-aging
• Mood balance, motivation, drive
• Stress resistance in times of anxiety
• Creativity and abstract problem solving
• Verbal fluency, making it easier to express thoughts and ideas clearly

Notably, MLP is a “Universal Nootropic.” It is formulated to rise to whatever occasion you may need. So when you require mental sharpness, you get it. If you’re feeling stressed, MLP helps calm you down. And when the time comes to perform, you know you can be ready.

With 11 nootropics in one formula, Mind Lab Pro may promote relaxation, calmness, and stress resistance better than any other supplement on the market – making it an ideal choice for all types of performance, especially if you’re feeling anxious.

Mind Lab Pro® - Stimulant-Free for Many Reasons

Mind Lab Pro® is formulated to be completely free of caffeine and other stimulants.

There are many reasons why Mind Lab Pro® is stim-free, one of which is that nootropics with caffeine can actually intensify performance anxiety -- a counterproductive effect for those who are taking nootropics for performance anxiety support.

With Mind Lab Pro®'s all natural formula, you won't have to worry about the negative anxiety-exacerbating side effects often associated with stimulants.

Beyond helping to reduce anxiety and offering stress relief, MLP® helps with focus, attention, concentration, memory, mental clarity and pretty much any other aspect of cognition you can think of.

MLP® is also backed by human research.

• Study 1: Subjects taking MLP showed significant improvements (compared to placebo) in information processing tasks.(21)
• Study 2: Subjects taking MLP had significant improvements across multiple memory functions, including auditory, visual, visual working, immediate and delayed recall memory.(22)

Buy MLP® Now

Additional Supplements for Performing while Anxious

Mind Lab Pro® is the top supplement overall for managing apprehension and promoting a healthy mood. But there are additional supplements that can help, too. Some of the best are:

Performance Lab® Omega-3

Today's most advanced Omega-3 supplement: Ultra-clean and vegan "good fats" sourced from eco-friendly marine algae -- not fish.

Ingredients: Each serving of vegan-friendly, carrageenan-free NutriGels® supplies 1800 mg algal oil (540 mg DHA [Docosahexaenoic Acid]) and 270 mg EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid).

Omega-3s are among the most versatile nutrients for human health, assisting with brain function, joint comfort, bone density, eye wellness, immune performance and more. But they are often sourced from fish. Performance Lab® Omega-3 instead supplies Omega-3s from algae -- not fish -- so you get all those great benefits, including for mood, without "fish burps," gastric distress or concerns about toxic contaminants.

Shop Performance Lab® Omega-3

Performance Lab® Prebiotic

Prebiotic fiber feeds gut probiotics (good bacteria) to build a thriving microbiome associated with multiple health benefits.

Ingredients: Each serving of 3 NutriCaps supplies two grams of Inulin-FOS (FructoOligoSaccharides) from chicory root).

Performance Lab® Prebiotic is a performance fiber supplement in convenient capsules. It supports many aspects of wellness, including good digestion, cardiovascular health, immune performance and weight management, as well as “feeding” the microbiome to help support brain chemicals associated with mood. It's the cleanest, most convenient prebiotic supplement on the market today.

Shop Performance Lab® Prebiotic

Performance Lab® Magnesium

 

Ultramodern 2X magnesium support. Clean, premium and easy to absorb.

Ingredients: Magnesium in two advanced forms: L-Threonate and NutriGenesis®

Advanced magnesium duo. For energy, vitality, and cognitive function. Supporting teeth, bones, and muscle function. A smart synergy of 2 premium forms: L-Threonate + NutriGenesis®. Expertly paired and dosed for maximum absorption and efficiency. Shown to enhance brainpower and cognitive function in multiple ways.

Shop Performance Lab Magnesium

Performance Lab® Sleep

Fall asleep faster, extend regenerative sleep, awake primed to perform. No grogginess.

Ingredients: Magnesium (as Magnesium Bisglycinate and NutriGenesis® Magnesium), Whole Montmorency Tart Cherry (50:1 concentrated ratio), L-Tryptophan, Organic Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides).

This natural sleep formula supplies natural low-dose melatonin (from cherries) to gently induce sleep. But that's just one pathway to the best sleep of your life. Sleep also supplies antioxidants to soothe body aches, two forms of magnesium to relax muscles, and natural support for calming and relaxing brain chemicals. Since sleep is the ultimate performance booster, this formula is a must-have in the Performance Lab® line.

Shop Performance Lab® Sleep

Summary

Performance anxiety is a mind state that's often caused by fear of failure and negative self-talk. Confronting your fears and vulnerabilities, accepting yourself for who you are, embracing your strengths and weaknesses, and just putting yourself out there over and over can help you overcome performance anxiety in the long run.

Some supplements may help mediate some of the symptoms of apprehension and help your brain work better under pressure.

But remember there's no replacement for good self-care, including proper nutrition, an active lifestyle, and getting enough sleep.

Equally critical: While supplements may help in the context of complementary and integrative health, only a doctor can help you with treating anxiety symptoms.

Always take supplements under the direction of your doctor. If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe anxiety medications (such as beta adrenergic blocking agents) or modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to further help you on your road to recovery.