How common is fear of public speaking?
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2 Answers By Expert Tutors
Shelley G. answered • 05/21/19
Tutor
5.0
(682)
Confident, Clear Communication Starts Here!
Mark Twain, the great American writer, said, "There are only two kinds of public speakers---those who are afraid of it; and those who lie about it."
I've worked with executives in Fortune 500 Companies, lawyers for U.S. government departments, and internationally-recognized scientists from the National Institutes of Health. I've even consulted with a TED presenter and the head of a speakers bureau. Guess what they've had in common. That's right. Fear of public speaking.
You're in good company. So, don't spend time and energy worrying. Seize the moment. You can do this!
Shelley G.
That's not to say that overcoming your fear of public speaking can be accomplished without a bit of effort. Practice and preparation will win the day. A sense of humor helps, too. Assuming that you have mastered the content or subject of your presentation, here are some questions you might ask yourself: How are you scaring yourself? Remember that the audience is not going to kill you, cook you and eat you. If your mind is running a series of negative thoughts, your mantra might be, the presentation isn't about me; it's about the information I'm here to share. What is your body saying to you? If your stomach usually gets upset, take an antacid on the morning of your speech or eat 1/2 of an apple--apples can absorb stomach acid. What is the mental image you want to present? If you see yourself as shaky or nervous, change the image using visualization. A week or more before your presentation, visualize yourself standing at the podium supremely confident and in control of the room. There are many excellent tools to help you to overcome your fear and a good coach - and your effort- will get you where you want to be.
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06/11/19
Katherine D. answered • 05/02/19
Tutor
4.9
(16)
Toastmaster
Glossophobia is extremely common. Many people fear putting themselves in the vulnerable position of becoming the center of attention and therefore of potential criticism. Many are unwilling to be so openly "judged" by others by standing on either a real or socially real public stage. This fear of being possibly attacked or undermined by others is debilitating for most people. Acceptance into groups is key for survival, so people are unwilling to risk rejection.
I hope this helps!
Miss D
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Kenneth E.
Top 10 Phobias 1. Public Speaking or Stage Freight – 19% 2. Death and End of Life – 16% 3. Spiders and other Arachnids Creatures – 13% 4. Darkness and Twilight – 12% 5. Heights, Altitudes, and Elevations – 11% 6. People and Social Situations – 10% 7. Flying in Airplanes – 7% 8. Open Spaces and Squares – 5% 9. Natural Thunder and Lightning – 4% 10. Confined Spaces and Small Rooms – 3%05/26/19