A feeling of restlessness that takes over your being. Your mind becomes a whirlwind of negative thoughts, your stomach twists, your hands sweat uncontrollably, and your voice shakes. Those ideas, which at some point you thought were so clear, fade away, while the fear of being judged, of everyone making fun of you, or of no one listening to you rises. Does this situation sound familiar to you?
Speaking in public becomes an experience full of anxiety and fear for many people. This phobia, called glossophobia, affects a large percentage of the population, which limits both personal and professional growth.
In this article we will delve into The reasons behind the fear of public speaking. We will explore the different causes that can lead a person to experience this phobia. Let’s go there!
Glossophobia, also known as fear of public speaking or stage fright, is defined as an anxiety disorder characterized by an intense and persistent fear of exposing oneself in front of an audience.
The term “glossophobia” comes from the Greek “glossa” (tongue) and “phobos” (fear), reflecting the central fear of this phobia: the fear of using language to communicate in a public environment.
This phobia can manifest itself in a variety of ways, from mild nervousness to a paralyzing panic attack. People who suffer from it experience a series of physical symptoms such as:
People with glossophobia experience great anxiety at the prospect of speaking in public. Even the thought of doing so can trigger anxiety symptoms.
To avoid these situations, those who suffer from this phobia may develop avoidance behaviors, such as rejecting presentations, quitting jobs, or socially isolating themselves.
Causes of fear of public speaking
The roots of glossophobia involve several factors, as they can include everything from physiological predispositions to personal experiences and thought patterns. Below, we will explore some of the main reasons for its appearance:
Physiological factors
Limiting beliefs
Negative self-image: Negative beliefs about one’s ability to speak in public, such as a lack of self-confidence or fear of being judged, can fuel stage fright.
Fear to fail: The fear of making mistakes or not meeting expectations can generate anticipatory anxiety that intensifies glossophobia.
Perfectionism: The pursuit of perfection in presentation can create excessive pressure and trigger stage fright.
Tendency towards anxiety
Pre-existing anxiety disorders: People with generalized anxiety disorders, panic attacks, or social phobias are more likely to develop glossophobia.
Introverted personality: Individuals with introverted traits or who prefer quiet environments may feel greater discomfort at the idea of public speaking.
Traumatic experiences: Having had negative experiences related to public speaking, such as ridicule or criticism, can increase the risk of developing glossophobia.
Specific situations
Performance evaluation: The fear of being evaluated or judged by others can intensify in situations such as job presentations, oral exams or speeches.
New or unknown audience: Speaking to a new or unfamiliar audience can generate greater anxiety and fear of being judged.
Lack of preparation: Lack of practice or knowledge about the topic to be presented can increase insecurity and stage fright.
Lack of communication skills: Difficulties expressing yourself verbally, organizing ideas or maintaining eye contact can contribute to the fear of public speaking.
Negative experiences in childhood: Early experiences of teasing, criticism, or lack of support in public settings can increase susceptibility to glossophobia.
Your psychotherapy treatment
If you experience fear of speaking in public, remember there are different strategies to overcome it: practice constantly, join courses with verifiable effectiveness to have more public speaking tools or seek therapeutic help to know the causes behind this fear and thus find tools to confront it.
Now, the most effective solution is to attend psychological therapy. Glossophobia can be overcome with appropriate help, and more specifically, with cognitive-behavioral therapy. This form of psychological intervention modifies patterns of behavior and thinking, achieving effects that are maintained in the long term thanks to action through this double channel.
