There are several reasons why people are afraid to speak in public. Mainly it is instilled in them that people will be judgmental or that they may freak out and not know what to do or say if the spotlight is on them. It is a common fear that many people are faced with at least once in life. Speaking in public can bring about true symptoms of anxiety for some people such as sweating, stuttering, shaking and temporary loss of concentration. Another term for fear of speaking in public is glossophobia.
Forgetfulness
One major cause of public speaking anxiety may be fear over forgetting what to say. Some people are equipped with scripts, a teleprompter or cue cards that help reduce their anxiety so that they are reminded what to say. For those who have to memorize lines or a speech---they may have anxiety over worrying strictly about what has to be said or forgetting key points in their speech. One way to combat this anxiety is to relax and concentrate on getting through the speech calmly. If words are forgotten, remember it is easy to substitute or simply address the audience that the thought simply slipped your mind.
Appearance
Some people worry about their overall appearance when it comes to public speaking. Most people want to look professional in their clothing. Wearing something that is comfortable and slightly form fitting, whether it be a costume, casual or business attire, will make the speaker worry less than wearing something completely out of their element. To overcome anxiety, the speaker needs to also think about temporarily reversing roles. What does the audience really think? They are generally more focused on what they will get out of the speech rather than what clothes the speaker is wearing.
Loss of Words
Standing up in front of the public and getting ready to speak in itself can be stressful and produce anxiety for many. One thing that many actors, speakers and politicians may share is that they may run out of words to say. This is a slightly different fear than forgetting actual lines and key points. This type of anxiety may refer to getting asked questions and not having an answer, or having a speaking arrangement run short and trying to implement additional lines to make the speech come together or conclude. One way to combat anxiety caused by loss of words is to reflect on the speech. Slowly reiterate the highlights or provide an overview of the speech---this could help with loss of words.
Making a Mistake
Many people who speak in front of the public worry about making a mistake. This could be with mispronouncing a word, saying a swear word or the wrong word, or repeating data or information that may be outdated or incorrect. Making sure to fact check before speaking is essential to avoid sudden speech anxiety. Having another fresh perspective also helps. This could mean having someone else read the speech or listen to the speech to offer their unbiased advice or tips.
Large Crowds
One major cause of public speaking anxiety is the fear of crowds---mostly large crowds. The fear of crowds has a technical term: enochlophobia. Some people worry slightly about speaking in front of five people, but when it multiplies to 500 or 5,000, they may feel a wave of anxiety and fear come over them. This is a normal fear and can be combated by positive thinking, breathing and relaxation techniques, and reassurance from peers and friends.
