I Am Afraid Of Speaking In Public: How Can I Improve?
The fear of public speaking, also known as glossophobia, which comes from the Greek, glosso, ‘tongue’, and ‘phobos’, fear, is a common experience that affects many people in different walks of life. From presentations at work to speeches at social events, the anxiety related to speaking in front of an audience can be overwhelming. However, understanding its causes, exploring treatments, and taking practical steps can help overcome this obstacle.
Glossophobia is more than just feeling nervous when eyes are on you. It’s as if your heart is beating so loudly that it seems like everyone can hear it, or your hands are sweating so much that you don’t want to let go of the paper on which you have written your speech. It is a mix of anxiety and intense fear of speaking in front of an audience.
The fear is so intense and persistent that it can significantly interfere with your ability to communicate effectively in public situations. From speaking at important events to presentations at work or even participating in social gatherings, this fear can manifest itself in a variety of ways and affect you no matter who you are or what you do.
In this article we will explore how the fear of public speaking is a common experience that can affect people of all ages and backgrounds and does not have to be permanent or insurmountable. With the right support and regular practice, many highly exposed people have been able to face and overcome their fear of public speaking, developing effective communication skills and gaining self-confidence in the process. If they could do it, so can you, let’s analyze the issue a little more and then look for solutions.
What are the causes of fear of speaking in public?
The causes of fear of public speaking may vary from person to person, but usually include a combination of psychological, social, and biological factors. Among them are:
Viola Davis, the brilliant actress of ‘How to Get a Murderer’, ‘The Help’, ‘Fences’, ‘Doubt’ (for which she won an Oscar), among others, says she used to have anxiety paralyzing social. When she started acting, she suffered from indescribably terrible stage fright, with strong heart palpitations. During rehearsals she would remain completely paralyzed. Her classmates and teachers yelled at her to open her mouth and say a word because she was blocked. We are talking about the winner of an Oscar, a Tony, and an Emmy, who with the necessary help and practice overcame her anxiety. Therefore, there is a lot of light at the end of the tunnel.
Is there any treatment to overcome the fear of speaking in public?
Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to address and overcome the fear of public speaking. These may include strategic coaching, relaxation techniques, gradual exposure to feared situations, and regular practice of communication skills.
How can we overcome the fear of public speaking in a practical way?
Overcoming the fear of public speaking requires practice and patience. Here are some practical steps that can help you:
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how overwhelming the fear of public speaking or any other type of social anxiety may seem. What matters is that improvement is possible. From someone who once stood cold in the middle of a stage, I can tell you with certainty that there is hope. With patience, practice, and the right support, it is possible to transform fear into confidence and open new doors to a brighter future. So don’t give up. You can conquer your fears and shine like never before! And as I always say, if you can’t do it alone, invest in yourself and ask for professional help.
