Speaking in public is a common fear that can leave you awake the night before a speaking engagement, or sweating and shaking the day you give a presentation at work. Fear of public speaking is usually a type of social anxiety disorder or social phobia, a fear of specific social situations.
Symptoms
According to HelpGuide.org, social phobias are primarily a result of an intense fear of being embarrassed, fear that you will be doing something that will cause others to scrutinize or judge you. Generally, anxiety is associated with a specific action or event, such as speaking in public. MayoClinic.com says that signs of social anxiety disorder include intense fear, worrying about embarrassing yourself, fear that someone will notice your anxiety, avoiding speaking opportunities and, during a speech, blushing, sweating, shaking, nausea, shaking voice, muscle tension, diarrhea and heart palpitations.
Causes
MayoClinic.com states that causes of social phobia range from genes to biochemistry and even simply fear responses in the brain, and adds that studies are being conducted to find out whether or not there is a specific gene that links to fear of public speaking or other social phobias. As of 2010, many scientists believe that it is mostly a learned reaction, according to the MayoClinic.com. Also, it is believed that imbalances in brain neurotransmitters such as serotonin could lead to fear of public speaking. A hyperactive amygdala, the part of your brain that regulates fear, may also play a role in social phobias.
Medications
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are helpful drugs in treating social phobias, as are common selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). HelpGuide.org also says that beta-blockers, medicines that block the adrenaline that can cause you to shake, sweat or have other physical symptoms of fear, may also be effective. Benzodiazepines may also be prescribed, but these are sedatives and are used less often than other kinds of pharmaceuticals.
Therapy
According to HelpGuide.org, therapy for fear of public speaking usually involves cognitive-behavioral therapy. Some activities your therapist may try are helping you learn relaxation techniques you can use when you begin to feel anxious. She may help you understand and reevaluate your thought processes and replace negative thoughts that fuel anxiety with positive thoughts that calm you down. Another way your therapist might use cognitive-behavioral therapy is by gradually increasing your exposure to public speaking situations, perhaps through group therapy, mock interviews or videotaping yourself speaking.
Prevention/Solution
MayoClinic.com says that to overcome public speaking, the first step is not avoiding situations that cause you anxiety. You have to engage in public speaking to gradually work out your speech anxiety. Also, knowing your topic well will ease your fears. Staying organized, using audio or visual aids in your presentation, and practicing can all be ways you can empower yourself to fight speech anxiety. Also, relax before and during your presentation. If your anxiety is too life-altering to tackle by yourself, it is important to get professional help.
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