Fear comes from the Greek word phobos, meaning, fear or dread. Fear is one of the basic or innate universal emotions such as joy, sadness and anger. According to Wikipedia, fear is the ability to recognize danger. When an individual encounters fear, there is usually the urge to confront it or flee from it. This is known as the fight-or-flight response. In extreme cases of fear, such an individual experiences horror or terror, and the result is a freeze or paralysis response.
In a nutshell, fear is a basic survival mechanism which occurs in response to a specific stimulus perceived as threat or danger. If that is the case, is public speaking really a threat to some individuals? If yes, are there people who suddenly freeze and even loose their voice when asked to speak in public?
Why do some people dread speaking outside their comfort zone?
Fear of Public Speaking is also known as Glossophobia or speech anxiety.
Again, the Wikipedia tells us that Glossophobia comes from the Greek word glossa. Glossa means tongue. Phobos means fear or dread.
Closely related to this is Social phobia or Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). This is a situation whereby an individual experiences an intense, persistent and chronic fear of being judged, embarrassed, scrutinized, criticized or humiliated by others. In an effort to reduce such fears, anxieties and inhibitions, some sufferers tend to erroneously resort to alcohol or other drugs to overcome their panic attack. Signs and symptoms to watch out for includes excessive blushing, sweating, trembling, palpitations, nausea and in some cases the person can suddenly start stammering and speaking rapidly.
Health experts recommend that in order to avoid alcoholism, eating disorder or other kinds of substance abuse, sufferers need to be diagnosed and treated. Specific symptoms of speech anxiety could manifest in different ways.
Physical: This is triggered in the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). At this point the body witnesses the adrenaline secretion which enhances your ability to fight or escape. In situations like this, the following reactions are noticed
(a) Increased heart rate,
(b) Increased blood pressure
(c) Dry mouth, e.t.c.
VERBAL: In verbal manifestations of fear, you can observe the following;
(a) A quivering voice
(b) A tensed and faint voice
(c) Vocalized pauses, e.t.c.
Research shows that up to 75% of people have battled certain degrees of anxiety, nervousness, fright or fear while speaking in Public.
It is interesting to note that some who are comfortable with a small room talk dread talking to a larger audience. They worry that they may not have the right and accurate skills to address a group.
No doubt, the fear of Public Speaking is real. Sincerely, that unwarranted and persistence fear of public appearance can be incapacitating for many people. The question is; How do we conquer the fear of public speaking? Kindly keep a date with me next week for your answer.
CHIAMAKA BOBBY-UMEANO
