ELi5: Is there a scientific or logical explanation for why when we try something by ourselves we do it perfectly, but when we call in other people to watch us do that thing, we all of a sudden mess it up?

Question

More concrete example, when I was a kid I liked the trampoline a lot. One day I learned how to do backflips on the trampoline and after loads of practice, I nailed the back-flip over and over again. Then I wanted to show my parents my back flip. So I called them outside and tried to do it, but couldn’t, I kept stuffing it up. I’m sure the answer goes along the lines of being nervous in front of a crowd, but why does this even happen in the first place?

In:

Answer 1

Distraction place a big role.

We are social creatures, and when others are around, part of our brains are going to be on standby waiting to manage social interactions. When other people are around, it is harder to devote your full attention to your task.