Facing Fears of Public Speaking
Practice Public Speaking Skills to Overcome Glossophobia Now
May 19, 2008
Many people fear public speaking. Speech impediments, innate shyness and a natural tendency towards being quiet can make fears of public speaking or “glossophobia” even more difficult. Self employed people are sometimes put in the position of speaking in front of groups. Utilizing public speaking skills is a great way to bring in more business, and it’s something to embrace - not avoid. There are many ways to channel and overcome a fear of public speaking. It’s important to first understand how common this phobia is and also that there may be medical reasons behind the fear. Solutions include working with a public speaking organization and practicing public speaking skills.
Fears of Public Speaking Commonplace
According to the Virginia Education Association (VEA), more than 75% of Americans suffer from a “debilitating” fear of public speaking. One VEA article also mentions that statistically speaking, Americans fear public speaking more than they fear death. (Seip, Roger. “Overcoming ‘Glossophobia.’” VEA Oct. 2006.) Feeling frightened about getting in front of an audience isn’t a unique fear - in fact, it’s commonplace. There may even be a medical condition behind a fear of public speaking.
Medical Reasons often behind Public Speaking Fears
Medical reasons are often behind a fear of public speaking, say experts. In a University of Tennessee at Martin Counseling and Career Services document, “Public Speaking Anxiety,” by Louise Katz, Ph.D., Dr. Katz explains that public speaking anxiety is the most common form of social phobias. Social phobia, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, is an anxiety disorder typified by a relentless fear of being watched and judged by others and being embarrassed by one’s own actions. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America further states that 13 out of every 100 Americans fall prey to social phobias during their lives.
Public Speaking Organizations Quell Public Speaking Fears
Public speaking organizations can help ease public speaking fears. Toastmasters International, the most well-known nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people overcome their fears of public speaking provides classes, workshops and training materials to help members get over their anxiety of speaking in front of an audience. The kinship that comes with being a member of a public speaking organization can also help alleviate fears. Seeing how many other people suffer from the same anxiety often helps to strengthen a resolve and improve public speaking skills.
Practice Public Speaking Skills
Practicing public speaking skills can help mitigate fears, too. Self employed people can take advantage of opportunities to speak in front of small groups to assuage anxiety. It’s a chance to practice public speaking skills and the fear is often diminished when speaking in front of just a few people. In one article from a Toastmaster publication, the author advises people to get organized before they speak, choose a beloved topic and to rehearse- perhaps the three most important components in relieving audience-related anxiety. (McCabe, Joanne. “The Fear of Public Speaking: 20 Ways to Get over It,” The Toastmaster April 2006.)
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