Picturing Your Audience in Their Underwear Doesn't Always Work!

Imagine standing on a large, old wooden stage with nothing but a coffee color, rusty podium in front of you. You look down at the podium to reread your speech and prepare yourself for what is about to happen next.  You feel calm and before you know it the red velvet curtains that separate you from one of your greatest fears begin to open.  The curtains open exposing thousands of concentrated eyes.  You feel as if every set of eyes is looking into yours.  You freeze and forget word that was in your speech.

According to Glossophobia.com, glossophobia is the official term given to a severe fear of public speaking. People who suffer from this phobia have a tendency to freeze in front of any audience, even a couple of people.

Symptoms of glossophobia can be grouped under three primary categories: physical, verbal, and non-verbal. Physical symptoms are the most obvious.  Some of these symptoms of include:

·         intense anxiety prior to, or simply at the thought of having to verbally communicate with any group,

·         avoidance of events that involve an audience

·         physical distress

·         nausea

·         feelings of panic

If you suffer from glossophobia you shy away from any opportunity to speak in public. Your symptoms are usually so severe you get terribly embarrassed and fearful of any public speaking.  Statistically, 75 percent of people have glossophobia and many claim that they would prefer death over giving a speech.

 

Although glossophobia can be a very serious and distressing, various treatment options are available. Certain drugs such as beta blockers may be used to help people relax before speaking in public. Complementary therapies such as hypnosis, meditation or psychotherapy can also be quite. Some organizations, such as Toastmasters International, and training courses in public speaking may help to reduce the fear to manageable levels.

My advice to anyone suffering from glossophobia  is to get help.  Do not feel embarrassed to ask for help because many people suffer from this phobia on a daily basis.  It is essential to face and overcome your fear of glossophobia so that you do not let this fear control your life; do not let glossophobia win! 

What advice would you give to someone suffering from glossophobia? Comment below because you just might help someone overcome his or her fear.