Being nervous can happen for many reasons, and this emotion can be paralyzing for some. Almost everyone gets nervous before speaking in public, and this is also a common emotion before a test or other important task. It is possible to minimize being nervous but no one can eliminate these feelings completely. Being nervous does not always mean panic though, and some people can hide this emotion very well. These individuals may seem calm and composed on the outside even when they are a bundle of nerves on the inside.