Glossophobia is serious public speaking anxiety. However, it is a very common fear because not all people are comfortable speaking in front of many people. According to experts, about 77% of the world population has a different level of fear when speaking in public. Hence, some are good at controlling and managing their fears. If your bad feeling is stopping you from doing activities like work, school, and attending gatherings, you should look for help.
In this article, you will become aware of how fear of public speaking can affect people’s lives.
1. It is Different from Social Phobia
Having glossophobia is very different from the fear of attending social situations. Hence, people who fear speaking in public are not afraid of meeting new people and doing something in front of others. Therefore, those who fear speaking in front of people can dance and sing in a group or do other tasks. However, they do not want to talk alone on stage in front of many people. In short, it is also popular as stage fright.
Moreover, this fear can start just by standing in front of few people. A person who is forced to speak in front will begin to show up right away. Inside the classroom, it is like a student avoiding being called to answer questions in front of the class. Also, they usually avoid situations wherein they will be the center of attention.
2. What does the fear feel like?
When given the task to present, a person with this fear will choose to fight or flight. It is the body’s natural way of getting away from the fear. The body senses a danger that is not present or real. People with stage fright may feel the following signs.
- Fast heartbeat
- Heavy sweating
- Shaking
- Vomiting
- Trouble breathing
- Tension
- String urge to get away from the situation
3. Possible Causes
Fight or flight is not the way to battle the fear, especially if you are in a meeting room and you need to speak. Hence, people who are in this situation do not have any choice but to speak. Therefore, it can result in bad experiences and make the fear worse.
Furthermore, this type of fear may run in the family. Hence, it means that you can get it from a family member. Also, parents who are also afraid of public speaking can pass it on to their children. Harsh comments from others can increase bad reactions or make the signs worse.
4. Forgetting and Freezing
Before speaking in front of people, we try to picture the situation inside our minds. Also, we ten dot thin of negatives things that might happen like forgetting a speech. Therefore, too much thinking of bad things can lead to not doing anything. The mind is very powerful, so it is good not to play in bad situations.
5. Lack of Skills
Some people are born with a lot of confidence, especially on stage. However, the skill of public speaking is something that one can practice and learn over time. Therefore, it is helpful if you will try to attend training. Knowing that you lack the right skills in speaking can make anyone feel nervous.
6. Afraid of Making Mistakes
People with public speaking anxiety get nervous because they do not want to make a mistake. Hence, it is good to keep in mind that no one is perfect, and making mistakes is natural.
7. Lack of Preparation
Another common cause of fear of public speaking is the thought that you lack preparation. Anyone who will talk in front of people always feels that they are not 100% ready to do it.
8. Possible Complications
Mostly, jobs will require a person to speak in front of people; for instance, attending meetings, seminars, and group activities are. If you think that your fear is stopping you from doing your job well, ask for professional help. Also, a student with this fear will not pass any subject without speaking in front of a class.
Having this fear is not the end of your career. Hence, there are lots of possible cures and therapy to help you overcome the fear.
