What Causes the Fear of Public Speaking?

Coaching for stage fright, therapy for glossophobia or speech anxiety, the excessive fear of public speaking

What Causes Public Speaking Anxiety?

When you know the causes of your speaking anxiety, it can be more easily resolved. Here are common causes of speaking anxiety.

Public speaking anxiety

As a coach, I support my clients to present themselves and their messages compelling. As a therapist, I help people with fears and anxiety disorders.

Fear of speaking

As a coach, I support my clients to present themselves and their messages compelling. As a therapist, I help people with fears and anxiety disorders. A common issue is stage fright. Often it goes beyond that and is speaking anxiety.

Speaking anxiety

Speaking anxiety is common. For many, it represents simply a fear of public speaking, which is also known as glossophobia. For some, it may be a fear of speaking at all in any kind of public situation, including when they’re out with their colleagues and friends.

When you get nervous while speaking, your mind will have the tendency to cause significant negative self-talk, and therefore to increase the likelihood that you see negative reactions in others. This is the direct result of living with anxiety, and it is something that you can improve if you treat it correctly.

It can be challenging to overcome speaking anxiety, specifically because it is so easy to avoid most situations where it is necessary.

What to do?

There are some steps that you can take to help make it easier. One of the first things that you can do is to understand some causes for your public speaking anxiety.

What causes speaking anxiety?

Public speaking anxiety can arise from various psychological, physical, and social factors. Understanding these causes is the first step toward overcoming the fear. Here are some common contributors:

1. Hyperarousal

Anxiety heightens arousal, leading to an overwhelming sense of fear. This heightened state makes public speaking feel intimidating and uncomfortable. Individuals who experience anxiety in other areas are often more prone to public speaking anxiety.

2. Traumatic Experience

Public speaking anxiety is often a learned behavior. A past failure or embarrassing moment while speaking can plant seeds of self-doubt, leading to avoidance. To break this cycle, focus on planning for success rather than anticipating failure.

3. Fear of Being Judged

Standing in the spotlight can feel daunting. Without instant reassurance or feedback from the audience, anxious speakers may assume the worst, leading to self-doubt and inner dialogues.

4. Inexperience with Socializing

Good public speakers are often skilled socializers. Difficulty engaging in casual conversations can make addressing a larger audience more intimidating. Building social confidence can also help improve public speaking skills.

5. Lack of Experience

Public speaking is a skill that improves with practice. The more experience you gain, the more confident and comfortable you’ll feel addressing an audience.

6. Negative Self-Talk

Dwelling on worst-case scenarios and over-analyzing past performances can undermine confidence. Everyone makes mistakes, but focusing on them only reinforces speaking anxiety.

7. Poor Preparation

Anxious speakers often avoid practicing due to their fear, leaving them less prepared. Unfortunately, nothing undermines confidence like lack of preparation. Conversely, thorough preparation is one of the best ways to build confidence.

8. Poor Breathing Habits

Public speaking requires controlled breathing to sustain your voice and manage anxiety. Diaphragmatic breathing not only supports vocal performance but also helps calm nerves and reduce a racing heart.

9. Lack of Relationships

Confidence in public speaking is often tied to overall self-esteem. Strong personal relationships provide emotional support, which can boost confidence on stage.

10. Comparing Yourself to Others

Comparing yourself to more experienced speakers can lead to negative energy and self-doubt. Focus instead on being the best version of yourself, not a copy of someone else.

11. Perfectionism

Setting unrealistically high standards for your performance can create unnecessary pressure. Accept that mistakes are part of learning and aim for realistic, attainable goals.

So What?

Other factors can amplify public speaking anxiety, such as presenting to high-status individuals, introducing new ideas, or feeling judged on performance. Identifying your triggers is key to addressing them effectively.

Overcoming Speaking Anxiety

Avoidance may seem easier, but overcoming public speaking anxiety will empower you to thrive on stage. Seeking help through coaching or therapy can transform nervous energy into positive energy, enabling you to present yourself and your message with confidence and impact.

Help with Stage Fright

Success often requires speaking and presenting effectively, convincing others, and advocating for your ideas. Yet, many remain silent because they suffer from intense stage fright. While a little anxiety can be stimulating, excessive fear can cause people to freeze and hold back their valuable contributions.

Does stage fright or performance anxiety block you and thwart your ambitions? Don’t let fear keep you silent—take action! It is entirely possible to overcome your fear of public speaking and perform with confidence.

Why Work With Me?

Benefit from my expertise in:

Marketing
Psychology (I am a therapist)
Communication

Ready to overcome stage fright and deliver your message with confidence? Learn more about my approach in my profile.

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You can decide how much effort to invest based on the benefits you expect to gain. Here you can find information about the fees for my support.

Not in Berlin? No problem! I also offer sessions via telephone or video support. However, there are plenty of good reasons to visit Berlin for a personalized session.

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P.S.

How do you handle stage fright or the fear of public speaking? Have you identified any specific causes that trigger it for you? Let’s explore ways to address and overcome them together.

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