https://youtu.be/55BQVEjCqhU?si=stERQU6_GevwMRbw
Other contributing factors to fear in public speaking (glossophobia)
- Genetic: Glossophobia might run in the family! This means, if someone in your family is afraid of public speaking, you might be more likely to feel the same way.
- Past experiences: Negative or embarrassing experiences with public speaking can create lasting fear.
- Anticipation of presenting in front of an audience: Simply thinking about speaking publicly can trigger anxiety, even before the event itself.
- Cultural expectations: Certain cultures may place a high emphasis on public performance, adding pressure to excel.
The most common is the anticipation of speaking in front of an audience. Other triggers include social interactions, starting a new job, or attending school.
What are your causes of fear in public speaking? Can you identify them? Triggers for glossophobia can vary from person to person. Taking the time to reflect on where this fear originates or identifying the specific situations that provoke it can provide valuable insight, helping you address and ultimately overcome public speaking anxiety.
Can you overcome the fear in public speaking?
The short answer is YES. You can learn how to overcome fear of public speaking and get over stage fright. But it takes commitment, patience and practice! Here’s a quick breakdown of 7 proven ways to overcome public speaking anxiety to help you manage glossophobia.
- Prepare Thoroughly: Understand your material, structure your talk, and practice regularly. Know your topic inside and out to boost confidence.
- Use Relaxation Techniques: Practice breathing exercises and muscle relaxation to manage physical symptoms of anxiety. Learning to breathe deeply can significantly reduce stress during presentations.
- Visualize Success: Picture yourself giving a successful presentation and use positive self-talk. Visualization can help you feel more prepared and confident.
- Stay Grounded: Use grounding techniques like touch anchoring or familiarizing yourself with the venue. This can help you feel more connected to your surroundings and less anxious.
- Connect with the Audience: Focus on building rapport and meeting their needs to shift attention away from your nerves. Making eye contact can help you feel more connected and less self-conscious.
- Reframe Nervous Energy: Turn anxiety into excitement and channel it into enthusiasm during your speech. This cognitive reframing can help you overcome perfectionism and perform better.
- Build Confidence Over Time: Practice consistently, seek feedback, and track your progress to grow your skills. Joining support groups like Toastmasters International can provide a safe environment to practice and improve.
These scientific ways to reduce fear in public speaking can really help you shift your mindset when it comes to speaking confidently in front of others. Just remember that it takes time and practice!
Here’s how I stopped being afraid of public speaking:
As I mentioned in the beginning of this post, I used to be terrified of public speaking as a kid and teenager. I experienced intense presentation anxiety and struggled with overcoming stage fright. My parents were concerned, so they enrolled me in theatre classes. On top of that, my dad would also make me ask for directions during road trips and order at restaurants. I would cringe every time!
But this exposure therapy seemed to work, and eventually, I ended up working as a television host and event emcee after I found the joy in presenting and being on stage. To this day, I haven’t completely gotten rid of my nerves before speaking in front of an audience or camera, but I’ve learned the tools to manage them and overcome public speaking anxiety.
My recommendations: Take public speaking classes and join an improv or theatre club! There is tremendous value in “exposure therapy” and learning about how to present yourself authentically, confidently, and creatively.
Why is creativity important?
According to Dr. Martha Beck, creativity silences anxiety. It’s been scientifically proven that anxiety and creativity cannot co-exist in the brain at the same time. When we are completely absorbed in a creative activity (such as improv games in a public speaking class or doing art), we’re able to soothe anxiety in our systems.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8lK4jR68yI
I’ve been there. I used to be afraid of public speaking and had really bad stage fright as a teenager. I constantly asked myself, “Why do I get nervous when presenting?” and “Why am I afraid of speaking in front of people?” If you’re wondering how to overcome fear of public speaking, you’re not alone.
As the famous quote in Batman Begins (2005) goes:
“People always fear what they can’t understand.”
It was not until much later that – as an adult – I was able to revisit the why. Turns out, growing up as a Colombian-Chinese immigrant in Canada while learning English was tough, and I developed a fear of speaking in front of others.
So I’m here to help you understand what the fear of public speaking is, and how to take actionable steps to overcome it. In this blog post, I’ll share public speaking anxiety tips and tricks to help you conquer your fears.
In this blog post I’ll go over:
- What is the fear in public speaking called
- Why are people afraid of public speaking?
- Can you overcome the fear of public speaking?
- How I stopped being afraid of public speaking
Let’s jump in!
What is the fear in public speaking called?
Glossophobia.
Pronounced glaa-sow-fow-bee-uh, glossophobia translates to what we would call today speech anxiety or presentation anxiety.
Let’s nerd out on the root of the words for a second: Glosso comes from the Greek word for tongue (glossa), and phobia translates to fear of dread.
So while you probably won’t be walking around saying you have “tongue fear,” here’s a fact: According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 70% of people have a fear of public speaking. That’s an extremely common fear, and understanding how many people have stage fright can be comforting.
The range of glossophobia can vary. You may have slight stage fright (and the truth is, many famous performers like Adele are quite open that they still struggle with stage fright) and still be able to finish a speech.
On the other hand, it can be quite extreme, characterized by excessive and persistent fear of speaking in front of a group of people and completely avoiding speaking in public to avoid being embarrassed or rejected by others. This extreme form is often referred to as dysfunctional speech anxiety.
A 2012 study from the Communication Research Reports concluded that public speaking is a more common fear than death itself.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the symptoms of nervousness in public speaking, grouped into physical, verbal, and non-verbal categories, along with what causes them. See if you relate to any of the psychological effects of public speaking you see below.
Glossophobia Symptoms
Category | Symptoms | Cause/Description |
Physical Symptoms | Increased blood pressure, elevated heart rate, sweating, stiffening of muscles, nausea, dry mouth | Result from the fight-or-flight response, triggered by adrenaline production in response to perceived threats. |
Verbal Symptoms | Weakened tone of voice, shaking or trembling voice, stammering | Often triggered by anxiety, causing difficulty in maintaining a steady or confident tone while speaking. |
Non-Verbal Symptoms | High anxiety, stress, embarrassment, fear of judgment | May be triggered by verbal symptoms or the overall fear of public speaking, leading to emotional and psychological distress. |
Emotional Symptoms | Intense fear, self-doubt, feelings of inadequacy, dread | Stem from a fear of failure or negative evaluation by others, often amplifying other symptoms and the overall fear response. |
Why are people afraid of public speaking?
Many studies have tried to figure out why people fear public speaking and experience stage fright. Let’s have a look at some common fears in public speaking!
Common causes of fear in public speaking:
- Social Anxiety
One big reason is that this fear in public speaking might be part of something called social anxiety disorder, which happens when people worry a lot about what others think of them. - Fight-or-Flight Response
When someone feels scared, their body reacts in a way called the fight-flight-or-freeze reaction. This is like an alarm that tells the body to be ready to fight, run away, or freeze when there’s danger—even if the “danger” is just talking in front of a crowd. - Negative Thoughts
Some people believe others will judge them harshly or think badly of them. Because of this, they might imagine everything going wrong before they even start speaking. These negative thoughts can make them feel nervous, worried, and even make their body react, like sweating or shaking.
Dr. Daniel Amen explains how we can conquer negative thoughts, which can be applied when it comes to public speaking. Why is this important?
“Thoughts drive feelings, feelings drive behaviours, and behaviours drive outcomes”
Dr. Daniel Amen
Overcoming the fear in public speaking is not an overnight process. To completely get over stage fright requires a journey that demands effort, persistence, and a lot of self-compassion. As someone who once trembled at the thought of speaking in front of a crowd, I can tell you firsthand that change is possible.
What started as small, cringe-worthy steps, like ordering food or asking for directions, eventually became transformative milestones in my confidence. And that’s the thing: progress is made in the small, seemingly insignificant actions you take daily. By understanding the fear, embracing discomfort, and practicing consistently, you can reframe public speaking from a source of dread into a powerful tool of connection and expression.
So, whether it’s taking a class, practicing with friends, or using relaxation techniques, the key is to start. Remember to focus on the message rather than your fear, and practice recovery strategies for those moments when you might freeze up. Your voice deserves to be heard, and with time, you’ll find the joy in sharing it. By implementing these public speaking anxiety tips and tricks, you can gradually overcome your fear and become a confident speaker.
And if you would like to get in touch and discuss how I can help you become the most confident speaker you can be, please head to my contact page and message me (or schedule a call below).
FAQ’s: What is Glossopobia?
What is the fear of public speaking called?
Glossophobia, a form of speech or presentation anxiety that many people experience.
Why do I get nervous when presenting?
Your body triggers a fight, flight, or freeze response, and negative thoughts or social anxiety can amplify the stress.
What are common symptoms of glossophobia?
Racing heart, sweating, dry mouth, shaky voice, stammering, worry about judgment, and intense self doubt.
How can I quickly calm nerves before a presentation?
Practice in a safe setting, use slow breathing, focus on your main message, and visualize the first minute of success.
Can you overcome the fear of public speaking?
Yes, steady practice and gradual exposure help most people improve, many notice progress within a few weeks.