Speaking Anxiety, or Glossophobia, is scientifically referred to as the number one fear in the USA.
Symptoms
Public speaking anxiety is usually manifested in your hands and your knees. Wet hands and shaking knees are the most common outward signs in an individual that is scared to speak in public or front of a group.
Wikipedia indicates there are symptoms for this:
- intense anxiety prior to, or simply at the thought of having to verbally communicate with any group,
- avoidance of events that focus the group’s attention on individuals in attendance,
- physical distress, nausea, or feelings of panic in such circumstances.
Everyone that experiences this has some or all of these symptoms. Overcoming the fear or anxiety does not mask the symptoms but helps the individual to control them and make them diminish. I have experienced Toastmasters that no longer have wet palms or shaky voice now that they have the skills to speak.
Below is a nice compilation image about public speaking, compliments of the Masters Program Guide.
Source: MastersProgramsGuide.com
Photo Source: Pixabay.com
