Fear of speaking in public: how to unblock speech?

On average, almost 7 out of 10 people would be afraid of speaking in public (Kantar 2023 survey). “That’s whatcommonly called stage fright. explains Cécile Cerobski, psychosociologist. The fear of speaking in public manifests itself just as easily in front of an audience of 30 people as in front of a single person, known or unknown. In person and remotely. The person is afraid of being represented, of being judged negatively by others. His brain associates this situation with danger and, by reflex, will protect itself by creating intense and irrational fear“.

What is the name of this fear?

When the fear of speaking in public becomes debilitating and debilitating, we speak of “glossophobia”, a form of severe social anxiety, exacerbated shyness. The word comes from the ancient Greek γλῶσσα / glôssa, meaning “tongue”, and from φόβος / phóbos, “fear”.

What are the symptoms associated with fear of public speaking?

“Symptoms appear before and during speechespresentations, group discussions or any other situation where the person must speak in front of an audience”, continues the psychosociologist. Reactions to glossophobia can vary from person to person, but they often include physical reactions like:

• Palpitations
• Sweats
• Tremors
• Redness
• Nausea
• Great anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping the night before a presentation or speech (anticipatory anxiety)

“The first reaction is therefore often a desire to avoid situations where it is necessary to speak in public, which can lead to social or professional withdrawal”, specifies our interlocutor.

Where can the fear of public speaking come from?

Glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, can have varied causes, influenced by individual factors, life experiences and personal predispositions. “It may be linked to traumatic past experiences such as a speech gone wrong, public mockery, or a situation of rejection. It can also be the consequence of a difficult present situation, as in the case of‘depression or burn-out. The person will lose trust in herin one’s own communication skills and feeling anxiety“, explains the expert. Furthermore, there is evidence in the fact that genetic predisposition may play a role in susceptibility to social anxiety and, by extension, glossophobia. In other words, “If family members have been affected by anxiety issues, there may be a genetic component.”.

What can we do ? Concrete solutions

Glossophobia can have a significant impact on professional, educational and personal life of a person because it can hinder their ability to communicate effectively. Fortunately, there are strategies and techniques to help them overcome their fear and improve their public speaking skills.

► Understand the cause with CBT. It is important to find the origin of this fear, insists the therapist. For this we often resort to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It is one of the most effective therapeutic approaches to treating glossophobia. The CBT-trained therapist will work to identify and change negative thoughts, irrational beliefs, and thought patterns that contribute to public speaking anxiety.

► Help yourself with breathing and cardiac coherence exercises. You can also use theEMDR (if glossophobia is linked to trauma),‘EFT (to release emotional blockages) or acupuncture. The techniques of deep breathing as the sophrology or the cardiac coherence are also effective.

► Work on your eloquence. “This can involve theater classes or work sessions with a psychologist or coach. Regular practice and familiarization with public speaking techniques can reduce anxiety.” In certain cases, training can be financed by training organizations or by Pole Emploi.

► In some cases, a doctor may prescribe medication, “such as anxiolytics, to help reduce anxiety in cases of glossophobia. However, this is usually reserved for more severe cases and should not be the first option“.

► Prepare your intervention well. “To relieve stress before any public intervention, it is important to prepare your subject well, check your equipment or prepare comfortable clothing. Positive visualization of your speech or your presentation and mental rehearsal can also build your confidence and reduce anxiety“, concludes our psychosociologist.

Thanks to Cécile Cerobski, psychosociologist and consultant/worker at Qualisocial, a firm specializing in mental health and well-being at work.