It happens with many phobias that sometimes it is difficult to find the limit between logical fear and irrational fear. This is the case of glossophobia or fear of public speaking, a fear that is most natural when you have to present a project or give a speech in front of some listeners. Nervousness is normal and even healthy, avoidance is not. In our we are learning the details of glossophobia or the fear of public speaking.
What is glossophobia?
Glossophobia is the fear of speaking in public. It is true that it is not a daily activity and that many people will be able to spend their entire lives without finding themselves in such a situation. It is also true that having to do this causes a certain amount of nervousness and anxiety for everyone, but not all of them condition their lives or experience irrational
When that natural fear of public speaking turns into glossophobia, the consequences can be significant. At the study level, it can prevent you from finishing your degree if at some point you need to make an exhibition of your final work. In some studies there are oral exams, which people with glossophobia cannot face. And, of course, some jobs require public speaking.
Symptoms of a phobia of public speaking
Glossophobia is one that presents cruder anxiety symptoms. To the typical dizziness, suffocation sensation, stomach problems, palpitations, muscular tension or panic attack, the possibility of fainting is added in the most extreme cases.
Despite this high degree of anxiety, the psychic are almost worse since distorted thoughts can lead you to a personal hell in which you see yourself as incapable, incompetent or useless to carry out this specific activity and then that perception spreads. To other areas of life. Avoiding speaking in public is the consequence of glossophobia, with all that this implies.
Why do I have glossophobia?
The fear of public speaking is closely related to social phobia and also to shyness. Actually, the so-called “stage fright” appears in most people who have to face such a situation. These people are afraid and nervous before and during their presentation, but they still do it. However, what people with glossophobia do is avoid that situation.
The cause of glossophobia is usually found in some other anxiety problem. The most frequent fear is of looking ridiculous, of being judged or criticized, or that the exhibition will go wrong, all of which stems from insecurity. Nor is it ruled out as of glossophobia having lived an unpleasant experience in the past.
Overcome your fear of public speaking!
If what you have is glossophobia, it is best to resort to psychotherapy. With cognitive, the psychologist will help you transform both your distorted thoughts and your behavior in the face of the situation and little by little you will stop avoiding speaking in public.
In addition to psychological therapy, the number of specialized courses to overcome the fear of public speaking, with public speaking courses and useful techniques to use before and during the exhibition, can be useful to you. And, in any case, relaxation is essential to deal with the situation.