For many Americans, the prospect of delivering a speech is enough to trigger sweaty palms, a knotted stomach and overwhelming dread. According to the University of Southern Mississippi Speaking Center, approximately 70 percent of the population suffers from some form of speech anxiety, ranging from mild unease to a crippling phobia of the stage. Although public speaking is a common source of distress, strategies are available for conquering anxiety and quelling speech-related fears.
Causes
Speech anxiety stems from a fear of public humiliation and embarrassment, the University of Hawaii Speech Department explains. Many people are afraid of looking foolish in front of a group of important figures and peers, and worry about appearing unintelligent, inadvertently saying something offensive, making a mistake or facing hostility when the spotlight is on them. The University of Southern Mississippi Speaking Center notes that mental factors, such as low confidence, unpreparedness and negative expectations, can also provoke anxiety before or during a speech.
Symptoms
Before a speech, physical symptoms of anxiety may emerge, including abdominal pain, dizziness, dry mouth, headaches, difficulty swallowing, muscle tension, sweating, rapid breathing, twitching, trembling and elevated heart rate, according to the National Institutes of Health. In severe cases, anxiety stemming from public speaking can also result in fatigue, insomnia, nightmares, irritability and sexual problems. During a speech, anxiety can lead to verbal problems, such as mumbling, stalling, stuttering or forgetting words, potentially causing a speaker to feel increasingly self-conscious.
Time Frame
Speech-related anxiety can occur at different times depending on the situation and the speakers involved, according to a speech anxiety article published by Roxbury Publishing Company. For some people, anxiety occurs as soon as the possibility of a public speech arises, even if the speech date is well into the future. For others, anxiety occurs only after stepping onto a stage and beginning to speak in front of an audience. In most cases, anxiety subsides after the speech is over.
Solution
Several strategies are available for controlling speech-related anxiety. Preparedness is often enough to boost speaking confidence and relieve anxiety, and the University of Southern Mississippi Speaking Center recommends preparing for a speech long before the day you deliver it--including allotting ample time for researching, writing and rehearsing what you will say. Other techniques for preventing anxiety include bringing note cards with you on stage, requesting tutoring for your public speaking skills and visualizing yourself delivering a successful speech instead of dwelling on unfavorable scenarios.
Warning
Although speech nervousness can produce a range of physical symptoms, the National Institutes of Health recommends contacting a medical provider if your anxiety occurs alongside crushing chest pain, extreme shortness of breath or severe dizziness, which may indicate a more serious health condition. Although many people can manage speech fears with a combination of relaxation techniques, practice and preparedness, some individuals may need professional help to combat severe phobias of speaking. If your speech anxiety prevents you from functioning properly or accompanies thoughts of suicide and self-harm, consult with a qualified mental health professional.
