The causes of the fear of public speaking may be simply something experienced in a minor incident at school or something more severe, but generally public speaking in its mildest form is known as stage fright, a normal and natural fearful emotion.  In fact, negative feelings are there to protect us from harm, letting us know if something is not quite as it seems and pushing us to take decisive action to get out of the situation to avoid possible danger or worse.

It cannot be emphasized enough that when our body signals a fear response, our brain interprets this as impending danger.  The majority of our fears are in fact learned and not pre-programmed into our brains, and these learned fears are vital to our survival.  However, there are times when these fears are not as reliable as we are led to believe.  In the case of the fear of public speaking, this is usually almost always the case.

The causes of the fear of public speaking can come under some obvious categories, including traumatic experiences, a related traumatic experience, a gradually building fear, and a learned fear from others.  When we experience traumatic things, we are left very fearful and stressed to the point of having this fear permanently etched in our brains.  For example, if a child was bitten by a rabid dog and the intensity of the pain, combined with a foaming and ferocious aggressive growling from the animal was so traumatic that the fear was permanently written into the child’s brain, the child’s nervous system quickly learned to associate this incident and anything related to it with that fear. 

In the case of a traumatic experience, the fear of public speaking may have nothing to do with our need to perform or do a presentation in front of other people.  People can get this when they are very stressed by something totally unrelated and somehow it gets mixed up with the job ahead of them.

When a person has experienced a related traumatic event, the person does not initially feel fear and instead associates this with someone else, whether in a real life situation or very rarely a dream or movie.  For example, a soldier can fight an entire war and never experience any disturbances beyond the norm and then years after returning to a normal life, suddenly starts experiencing fear as he performs in front of other people, without any particular known reason at the time.  He associates fear in war to his comrades versus himself.

A gradually building fear can lead to a fear of public speaking later on in life.  This usually begins as a mild incident that is gradually added to by further fearful incidents, and in turn the nervous system evaluates each event as a definite fear that should be guarded against and with more and more related fears being added on, it builds its defenses to compensate, getting gradually more and more strong.  As a result, a sudden attack of a fear of public speaking results, sometimes an extreme one, and it can take the person by complete surprise.

Interestingly enough a fear of public speaking can also come out of the most harmless events.  These events may have begun as a baby or a child, but somewhere along the line something got confused and the brain read these fears as a major threat.

The final possible cause of a fear of public speaking stems from what has been learned from others.  It is very rare, but in some cases where a person has experienced a traumatic enough experience, the therapist themselves can unknowingly be traumatized by the information they have to analyze and can in turn suddenly, without reason, fall victim to a fear of public speaking.

Irregardless of whether the fear of public speaking happens during a business presentation or on the stage of a Broadway musical, the fears are rooted in the same common places.  This form of social phobia is so common that most people turn a blind eye to it and dub it as stage fright.  Most of us would not question state fright as a logical explanation because we just seem to suffer it more than everyone else, or do we? If this does afflict your life more that you can handle or to the point that it has become debilitating or is impeding on your ability to live a normal life then now is the time to seek medical help.  This is not a mental illness, but a fear that has rooted inside of you for reasons only known to your brain, but a fear that also be plucked out and eradicated with time and patience.

There are some very important criteria that mental health experts use to diagnose the symptoms of fear of public speaking.  Usually, most doctors do not treat clients during the diagnosis stage as people with a mental illness, but people who need help to rectify their symptoms.

The first step taken towards ascertaining if a person has fear of public speaking symptoms (stage fright) is by treating the person as a unique and special individual.  The person is allowed to freely express what it is they are feeling, experiencing and how this is affecting their lives.  By these criteria allow a doctor to determine if the symptoms being experienced are in fact fear of public speaking or a more serious social phobia disorder.

Social phobic symptoms are very specific and therefore the same as a fear of public speaking, but not all of them are experienced by every patient.  These will all show a persistent and continuing experience of the fear of performing in front of others or making a presentation where the fear of embarrassment may happen.  These symptoms include:

·         A continuing and marked fear of a single or multiple presentation or performance related situations where the patient has to expose themselves to people they don’t know and the potential for judgment by those people.  The patient’s fears display a concern about being embarrassed or possibly humiliated.  For example, for some patients the best clue to this is in their ability to perform normally or do presentations in front of small groups.

·         The act of exposure to a stage like situation almost always leads to feelings of extreme anxiety, which can manifest itself in the form of a ‘panic attack’.  Panic attacks can vary according to the age and person, but in children this can manifest itself in the form of avoiding freezing in their actions, having temper tantrums and/or unexplained crying.

·         The appearance of a fear that may be unreasonable or excessive in nature.  However, in the case of children this is not usually a factor.

·         The avoidance or endurance of fearful performance or presentation situations and/or the endurance of such situations that provokes an attack of extreme distress or anxiety (panic attack).

·         An unreasonable avoidance, distress or stressful anticipation of fearful performance or presentation situations that significantly debilitates the patient’s daily routine, ability to function normally at school or work, which can result in a phobia about having a fear of public speaking attack.

·         If the patient is below eighteen years old and the occurrence of these symptoms has lasted at least six months.

·         The subsequent avoidance or fears are not as a result of any physiological effects, such as the abuse of drugs, medication or any other underlying medical illness, and cannot be diagnosed as another form of mental illness such as separation anxiety disorder, panic disorder without agoraphobia (or with), schizoid personality disorder, body dysmorphic disorder or separation anxiety disorder.

·         In the case where another underlying mental or medical illness is determined, the patient’s fear has no relation to Parkinson’s disease tremors, Bulimia Nervosa, Anorexia Nervosa or stuttering.

Fear of public speaking is reasonably easy to diagnose for most medical practitioners because its symptoms can be attributed to stage fright, though many other mental illnesses, medical conditions and/or possibly the abuse of drugs or medications may be to blame also.  The symptoms of fear of public speaking can affect the patient’s ability to live a normal life and may interfere with their ability to reach their full career potential and experiences that most of us would take for granted.  In fact, as many studies have shown, the symptoms themselves are not enough on their own to diagnose this phobia, but just a part of the whole process.  It is important that as a potential patient of this that you understand that along with the symptoms and possible causes may come the possibility of traumatic experiences, whether known or unknown to you at this time.  So, it is vital that if you are experiencing these symptoms that you seek medical advice first from your family doctor and then an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist.  Do not be alarmed by the many questions they may ask you regarding your childhood or adulthood.  These are meant to better assist you and the doctor in determining if the symptoms you are experiencing are in fact truly those of a fear of public speaking.

Fear of public speaking (glossophobia) is one type of mental health disorder called social phobia that is difficult to understand because it is amongst the last anxiety conditions discovered by doctors.  In fact, about 75% of people suffer from this condition in its mildest non-clinical form or stage fright, but in more extreme forms it can be debilitating and difficult for doctors to diagnose. Most are aware that their symptoms are not right, but unaware of exactly what they are suffering. 

Considerable research has been done, but is not widely read by doctors, though psychiatrists are the most familiar.  The disorder is distinguished by feelings of apprehensive in front of others and nervousness.  There is also a deep feeling of humiliation or embarrassment when a patient is faced with performing or doing a presentation in social situations, so much so that they fear being watched or unpleasantly evaluated by others.  Other symptoms include:

·         Feeling of self-consciousness around others

·         Feeling that others are judging or staring at you

·         Feeling that others see your nervousness

·         The inability to relax around others

·         A fear of being seen as stupid

·         Avoidance of most social interactions or the need to endure a lot of distress if socializing

·         Sweating

·         Racing heart

·         Trembling

·         Abdominal discomfort

·         Breathing problems

·         Dry mouth

·         Physical tingling

·         Lack of concentration

·         Weakness of the legs

·         Urge to urinate frequently

·         Blushing

·         Twitching of muscles

There are many possible causes for fear of public speaking, but some of them appear to result from bad experiences, possibly during childhood, such as bullying, parental rejection or teasing.  Some people, most especially teenagers, may become shy as they get older or possibly even socially restrained.

Generally speaking, fear of public speaking starts in the later teenage years and continues on into adulthood.  The person can suffer from the inability to perform or make presentations in front of others and therefore not experience normal situations whereby they can assess others reactions towards them.

Most people will try to resolve fear of public speaking by themselves by avoiding having to perform or make presentations, but the best steps initially include:
 

·         Developing an awareness of one’s personal qualities and abilities and feeling confident in them and oneself

·         Learning that insecurities and fears are normal for everyone

·         Finding someone that one can trust to discuss one’s feelings and anxiety with

·         Using breathing exercise to calm oneself when one feels anxious

·         Become aware that making mistakes is normal and that others will not be judging one as harshly as one does oneself

People suffering from a fear of public speaking must get professional help if their anxiety is starting to affect their daily lives, most especially their work lives if they are employed to perform or do presentations.  If the anxiety interferes with basic things like schooling, self-esteem and relationships with others then it is time to speak to your family doctor.  In fact, professional help is as close as getting a referral from your family doctor to get counseling, psychiatric treatment or psycho educational support.

There are many online counseling services and support groups that help people suffering from anxiety disorders of all types.  Some specifically deal with fear of public speaking.  These groups and counselors allow patients who do not want their doctors to become aware of their mental health issue to get the help they need without the further embarrassment and stigma that they may feel goes along with having a mental illness.  Some useful supportive sites include the Fear of Public Speaking Association, the Fear of Public Speaking Network and Fear of Public Speaking Support.

Fear of public speaking is one type of social phobic disorder that does not have to be suffered alone and it is treatable with the proper support and medical intervention.  However, understanding that one is not the only one suffering this in the world and not judging oneself harshly for suffering it, as well as getting support and medical help are the best steps to ending the difficulties and debilitating affects it is having on one’s life.  Getting help now from family, friends and one’s family doctor is the only sure way to guarantee one’s fear of public speaking can be resolved.  The first step is in understanding that one has a disorder.  The second step is in understanding what the disorder is and why one has it.  The final step is making positive changes to rid oneself of the disorder forever.

There are two common types of fear of public speaking experienced by patients.  These include generalized fear of public speaking and specific fear of public speaking.

Generalized fear of public speaking is the most prevalent fear of public speaking type.  If you are diagnosed with this type you will find that you fear becoming the focal point of other people’s attention, anywhere you have the need to perform or do presentations in front of other people, especially those you don’t know.  This will be intensified by an unreasonable concern with if people are noticing you and if they are taking note of everything you may be doing. 

With generalized fear of public speaking sufferers, what may seem like the easiest tasks for everyone else, like presenting a business proposal in front of a small group of colleagues, may be an extremely distressful and anxious experience.  In other situations, simple things like doing a project performance in front of your employer may seem like a very fearful situation, one that you may even choose to ponder over for many hours, instead of just simply getting up and doing it.  Even the pleasure of doing toasts at parties seems like a doomed and possibly humiliating undertaking.

Specific fear of public speaking is specifically related to entering into performing situations.  This may include performing in the presence of others, or simply doing a quick sales pitch in public.  In fact, the most common of all these are an unreasonable fear of speaking in public, which in itself relates to an anxiety about performance.  To most people this would simply be called stage fright, but for some the experience is much more intense and in some cases very traumatic.

A person with fear of public speaking or social phobic disorders may also do some or all of the following:

·         Over exaggerate any possible physical dangers, risks or difficulties that may occur in doing the most normal tasks.

·         Has only one or no close confidants or friends outside of their immediate relatives and they may well avoid all other performance activities outside of these people.

·         Show an unwillingness to perform or do presentations with new people unless they can assure themselves or be assured that they will not meet disapproval, be hurt or criticized, and/or be definitely liked.

·         Have an intense and unusual fear of being embarrassed in front of others to the point of noticeable anxiety, crying or blushing. 

·         Avoid public speaking for fear of speaking out of turn, or being seen to have said something foolish or possibly inappropriate.

·         Find that concentrating on individual tasks, hobbies or jobs are very difficult and may not achieve their potential in life.

There are two types of fears of public speaking that define a patient’s affliction with this disorder.  Sadly, most people will fall into the category of the generalized fear of public speaking.  However, there are those whose affliction is so severe that their ability to function in daily life is not just fractionally compromised, but detremented to the point that the person cannot go outside their home without specific assurances that they will not be hurt or otherwise embarrassed by social interactions, isolating themselves almost completely from other people or simply just sticking to their immediate family or the one person they trust above all else.  If you find that one of these types describes what you are experiencing then you need to speak to your family doctor, who can refer you to someone who can specifically help diagnose your condition, treat it and help you move forward into a happier, fear of public speaking free existence. 

Fear of public speaking does not have to be a lifelong affliction, but a treatable, even curable condition that can go away with time, treatments and understanding.  Never be ashamed to admit that you have fear of public speaking as there are so many people that suffer it and never get treatment.  Those people do not have the opportunity that you do to fix the problem so that in the end you get what you deserve, enjoying a happy and distress free life just like everyone else.

The first strategy in overcoming a fear of public speaking is to try basic methods outside of medical treatment first. One of the best lay person’s methods is taught in acting schools and by public speaking professionals. It teaches a person how to take a normal stressful public speaking event and turn into something pleasurable.

There are some important strategies to overcome a fear of public speaking. Each one is designed to train a person to deal with their fear and make public speaking easier to do. Here are the facts, tips and do’s and don’ts that will help you overcome your fears:

· Public speaking is a normal part of life

· Public speaking does not just apply to politicians, managers or other high flyers, but to school presentations, charity speeches, wedding toasts and so much more

· It is normal to be scared when doing this for the first time

· It is also normal to have knees knocking together, hands shaking, voices trembling, thoughts getting jumbled, palms sweating and forgetting things

· Professional public speakers appear clever, successful, witty, polished, calm and entertaining, but anyone can appear that way

· It is normal to be just a normal nobody, make some mistakes, stumble over thoughts and words, tell unfunny jokes and/or even forget what is supposed to be discussed

· Differences of opinion are normal and not a reflection of you, the person

· Remember the ‘KISS’ principle: ‘Keep it simple stupid’

· Stick to major points (a minimum of 1+), break those down into finer points and so on, but not go off on a tangent; use an outline and cue cards; stick to the point

· Your outline should follow who/what, when, where, why and how

· Most of us would cringe at the idea of public speaking and panic

· Pretend that you know the audience as if they were your friends, or that you are dealing with an audience full of school children, but not that you are a public speaker

· Practice your speech beforehand, get a friend or confidant that you trust to listen to your speech as if you were already doing the presentation (learn it by heart); dress accordingly, do all the introductions, jokes and other things that you will do on the day of your speech

· Create a list of possible questions that the audience may ask you and prepare your answers on cue cards – practice these

· Feel confident in your own self and abilities

· Prime yourself as you step in front of the audience

· Project your voice to the back of the room, but don’t yell

· Focus on something in the room behind the audience that pleases you and make your speech to it

· Maintain an air of humility and sense of humor during public speaking events

· Don’t tell a joke that you cannot pull off

· Laugh at yourself if you make a mistake or forget something, and make a joke out of that – ‘laugh and the whole world laughs with you’

· Don’t prime yourself for disaster – these don’t usually happen

· We all have experienced embarrassing results, whether from a public speech or just a conversation with a friend

· Have a contingency plan available

· If you become speechless, take ten deep breaths, count to ten and have a sip of water – start again

· If the audience reacts badly, walks out and/or someone rallies a defense against you, ask for feedback from the person or persons involved in the situation

· Public speaking is about sharing thoughts, ideas and information

· Control yourself, thoughts, arrangements, preparation, practice, the room layout and any equipment that you may need

· People are people - some fidget; others ignore you – this is normal

· Ignore the non-listeners; talk to those who want to listen

· Don’t over prepare for things that may never happen

· You are successful now because you are trying to learn strategies to overcome your fear of public speaking by reading this article

· Believe in yourself

· Audiences don’t want to embarrass, judge you as a person/by your clothes, voice or anything else

· Audiences want to learn something new, no matter how meager that might be

· Most of your audience will hold you in high esteem because you had the courage to stand up and speak at all

· Your listeners want you to be successful!

These strategies to overcoming your fear of public speaking have been proven successful by both professionals and other average people like you and me. Remember: practice, prepare, believe in you, and laugh at any mistakes. It is definitely not the end of the world!

Fear of public speaking is a very common form of social anxiety. Fear of public speaking has often been called the ‘Greatest Anxiety,’ due to the large number of people who actually experience this fear. Fear of public speaking doesn’t just mean that you have a fear of making a speech in public. It can mean that you experience stage fright, or even that you have a fear of talking to other people in a social situation. (more…)