Passion

Fears Episode 15: Glossophobia

Glossophobia is defined as the fear of public speaking or of speaking in general. It is categorized as irrational. It is thought that approximately 74% of the world population has some form of Glossophobia, one of the most common phobias. However, it is important to note that there are many levels of speech anxiety, social phobias, or social anxiety orders. Most of those who claim to have Glossophobia may not in fact suffer from the actual phobia. Possible signs and symptoms of Glossophobia may include intense anxiety at even thought of having to verbally communicate with any group, avoidance of events where such an instance is a possibility, physical distress, nausea, feelings of panic, trembling, sweating, stomachache, acute breathing, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, dilated pupils, increased perspiration, increased oxygen intake, stiffening of neck/upper back muscles, dry mouth, a tense voice, a quivering voice, vocalized pauses for comfort, and/or inability to speak. One of the most commonly-known symptoms of Glossophobia is Stage Fright. Possible causes of Glossophobia may be a traumatic life event, for example, an embarrassing moment concerning speaking in public at a young age or in early adulthood. Other causes include low self-esteem or expectation of failure. A lack of confidence and/or experience is a major cause of this. It has even been speculated that there is an evolutionary aspect behind Glossophobia; since early humans depended upon each other for survival, social rejection meant almost certain death – and poor public speaking can greatly magnify the opportunity for social rejection.  Possible treatments for Glossophobia may include, but are not limited to: training courses in public speaking, self-help materials, temporary drugs such as beta-blockers, practice and/or gaining experience, among many others.

Fun Fact: Some surveys have shown that most people fear public speaking more than they fear death.

 

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