Public speaking is one of the most common fears people experience on a daily basis. A lot of people experience a range of emotions when they think of (or want to) stepping in front of a crowd, no matter how big or small, from sweaty palms and a racing heart to pure fear.
Glossophobia, which is another name for public speaking anxiety, is a condition that affects more than just a person’s speech delivery skills. It hinders their self-esteem, professional development, and even interpersonal skills.
In this article, we will examine the psychology of public speaking anxiety, together with its causes, its effects on the human mind, and practical coping mechanisms, opening the door to self-assured communication and personal development.
What are the Physical Public Speaking Anxiety Symptoms?
Public speaking Anxiety is evident as a result of its symptoms. The symptoms of public speaking anxiety are quite interwoven, that is, you may experience two or more symptoms at once. Some examples of the physical symptoms of Public Speaking Anxiety are:
- Shaking
- Cold hands
- Blushing
- Pounding heart.
- Sudden Headache
- Quivering voice
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Sudden upset stomach
- Blurry eyes.
How can I tell if my Public Speaking Anxiety is Serious?
If you want to know whether your fear of public speaking requires professional help, here are a few questions for you to reflect on:
Do You Avoid Opportunities?
Have you ever changed courses, skipped school, or changed careers just to avoid speaking publicly?
Does It Hold You Back from Working?
Have you ever turned down promotions or roles because they involve public speaking?
Does It Affect Your Personal Life?
Have you missed important family and friends moments, like a toast at a wedding or family gatherings, because you don’t want to face the crowd and talk?
Are Physical Symptoms Overwhelming?
Do you suffer from intense physical anxiety symptoms such as sweating, headache, trembling, or sudden running stomach, just at the thought of public speaking?
Is It Affecting Your Daily Activities?
Do you feel your fear of public speaking has come in between you and your goals, your progress, development, relationships, or mental health?
If you answered “yes” to almost or all of these questions, you might be suffering from serious Public speaking anxiety and therefore, you need professional help as soon as possible.
What Causes Public Speaking Anxiety?
- Evolutionary History of Fear
Anxiety related to public speaking is closely linked to our evolutionary history. Being the focus of attention thousands of years ago was often dangerous; maybe a predator had singled you out, or perhaps a tribe was watching you closely. In such circumstances, our ancestors’ reaction is to fight or flight and this still exists today.
Standing in front of a crowd can cause your brain to perceive the scenario as dangerous, which can set off a stress reaction, which will prompt an adrenaline rush, shallow breathing, and an elevated heart rate. These are all indicators that your body is getting ready to “fight” or “flee” from the danger perceived.
- The Fear of Being Judged
The fear of being poorly judged is one of the major causes of public speaking anxiety. The mind is filled with questions like “What if I make a mistake?” and “What if the audience doesn’t like me?” The causes of this phobia often arise from past experiences, low self-esteem, or a perfectionist mindset.
- Imagination and Self-doubt
The ability to imagine in the human mind can sometimes work against us. Many people have vivid visions of the worst-case scenarios e.g losing their lines, being made fun of, or freezing in the middle of a speech. And because of these imaginations, their fear is heightened, therefore bringing in public speaking anxiety.
- Insufficient Years of Experience
Practice makes perfect, practice also builds confidence. Anxiety is more common in people who have little experience in public speaking. It’s actually simple to question one’s skills, when you don’t have enough experience.
Ways to Get Rid of Your Fear of Public Speaking
- Change Your Attitude
One of the best strategies to fight anxiety is to change your attitude towards public speaking. Consider public speaking as an opportunity to influence others and share ideas rather than as a measure of your value. Instead of thinking negatively about yourself, try saying something like, “I have something valuable to share.”
- Prepare Well
Preparation makes you more confident. You can videotape yourself, practice with a trusted companion, or practice your speech in front of a mirror. This will surely give your anxiety less space to flourish when you feel more prepared.
- Picture Your Achievement
One of the well known psychological techniques is visualization. Imagine yourself engaging the audience, speaking with assurance, and getting good comments. This mental exercise can train your brain to equate public speaking with achievement rather than fear.
- Control your Body’s Reaction
One of the secret to managing anxiety is to understand and do somatic exercises to regulate your body’s reactions, here are a few examples of what you can do:
- Breathing: Breathing deeply can reduce stress and relax your neurological system.
- Power Poses: You can trick your brain into thinking you are more confident by assuming a confident pose when speaking.
- Muscle Relaxation: You can lessen the tension in your body by tensing and relaxing your muscle periodically during a speech.
- Practice More
It’s important to face your fear. You can do so even with little, consistent steps. Start with brief presentations speaking in front of your family and friends. Another way you can do so is to participate in a public speaking course. This can gradually but effectively decrease your public speaking anxiety levels.
- Seek Professional Advice
If you want to treat your public speaking anxiety effectively, it is recommended to seek professional help, especially from people with years of public speaking experience and awards to back it up.
Can MicFront Academy Help With My Public Speaking Anxiety?
Yes – we can help you overcome the constraints of fear by understanding the psychology of public speaking anxiety and taking practical measures to overcome it. You don’t have to confront public speaking alone, and you’re not alone in experiencing public speaking anxiety. The goal of MicFront Academy is to assist you in discovering your inner self-assured, confident speaker.
The company has helped more than 10,000 students face their anxieties and realize their potential throughout the years. People who once shied away from public speaking now command rooms, lead teams, and inspire others.
Some Practical Ways MicFront Academy can Help You
- Specialized Guidance: Each student’s path is different. The coaches will help you create a specialized strategy that will work to erase your anxiety by determining your areas of strength and weaknesses.
- Safe Learning Environment: MicFront Academy provides a safe environment where your errors are not considered errors but teaching moments and work in progress.
- Practical Experience: The organization offers lots of practice to help you develop your confidence such as workshops and speaking engagements.
- Leadership Development: In addition to public speaking, MicFront Academy emphasises on developing students’ leadership skills so they may take charge of their own life. And many more.
Final Words
Public Speaking anxiety can happen to anyone, you are not the first person, neither will you be the last. However, the most important thing to note is that it can be worked on and you can be free from it. You can carefully read on the Psychology of public speaking anxiety as we have discussed above, and work on the causes and practical measures to overcome it. Also, it is advisable to ask for professional help.
You can consult us here at MicFront Academy for support if you’re prepared to overcome your public speaking anxiety and develop the confidence to speak well. Use your fear as an asset, after all it is through overcoming our fears that we become stronger. By learning about the power of your voice at MicFront Academy, you will get the opportunity to shine on stage.
MicFront Academy is ready to support you every step of the way.