Toastmasters: Glossophobia

 This word denotes the psychological condition of fear of public speaking. The stem “phobia” is more than just discomfort. It means “a type of anxiety disorder defined by a persistent and excessive fear of an object or situation. Phobias typically, result in a rapid onset of fear and are present for more than six months.”

Very few people have real glossophobia. All of us have some level of stress from public speaking because

1.     it’s an unusual and unknown situation for many

2.     we fear failure

3.     we fear lack of acceptance or approval

4.     the stakes are high

Short of anxiety-reducing drugs, what can one do about communication apprehension (a generic term for good old stage fright)?

You can engage in thought exercises. What is the worst that can happen? This scenario projection can be realistic or silly.  But it often brings one back to perspective.

You can eat healthy and avoid caffeine before presenting—or in some cases, don’t eat much (you need some nutrition, but we all have different digestive systems....). 

You can learn stretching exercises that disperse the excess energy from parts of the body, including the voice. 

Or you can go to the source. Do some heavy thinking about where the fear comes from, why you are fearful.

Ultimately, you can see that what you have to say is more important than not saying it.