Glossophobia

Glossophobia
Other namesspeech anxiety, public speaking anxiety
SpecialtyPsychology

Glossophobia or speech anxiety is the fear of public speaking.[1] The word glossophobia derives from the Greek γλῶσσα glossa (tongue) and φόβος phobos (fear or dread.) The causes of glossophobia are uncertain but explanations include communibiology and the illusion of transparency. Further explanations range from nervousness produced by a lack of preparation to, one of the most common psychiatric disorders, social anxiety disorder (SAD).

Its symptoms include one or more of physiological changes, mental disruptions, and detrimental speech performance. There are several ways to overcome glossophobia, which include preparation and rehearsing, deconstructing beliefs, engaging in positive self-talk, visualizing optimal performance, practicing mindfulness, breathing exercises, creating an anxiety hierarchy, using virtual reality, computerized coaches and medications such as beta-blockers.

  1. ^ Hancock, A.B.; Stone, M.D.; Brundange, S.D.; Zeigler, M.T. (2010). "Public Speaking Attitudes: Does Curriculum Make a Difference?". Journal of Voice. 24 (3): 302–307. doi:10.1016/j.jvoice.2008.09.007. PMID 19481418.