Speaking in public is a genuine fear experienced by many. It can be unnerving to stand in front of a large group of people with all eyes watching you and all ears waiting to hear what you have to say. The pressure, whether real or imagined, is enough to create a sense of panic in some, by seemingly simple actions such as speaking in a class or at a convention or upcoming wedding or reunion.
Embarrassment
The fear of embarrassing yourself in front of people can be overpowering and can cause varying degrees of anxiety, to the point of panic attacks. If a person is self-conscious about her looks or perhaps a speech impediment or physical handicap, then low self-esteem is the issue, but the manifestation is fear. People are afraid to make a mistake or that they will trip while walking onto the stage, because of laughter or ridicule.
Nervousness
The thought of forgetting your lines or your speech is a legitimate concern, but rehearsal and a keyword outline in your pocket should provide some peace of mind. Sweating and dry mouth can accompany weak knees and a feeling of unsteadiness once the nerves get the better of you. In addition, past mishaps during similar ceremonies become larger-than-life events, blown out of proportion by imagination.
Stupidity
Some people are concerned about the way others perceive them and base their lifestyle on this skewed mirror reflection of outside opinion. The thought of not being able to answer a question from the audience, or that the wording in their speech is boring or inappropriate for the occasion, can make people think twice about public speaking engagements.
Intimidators
An old flame, boss or bully is in the audience and speaking in the same room as them makes your brain freeze up from the sheer fright of that thought. You are convinced that the freeze will manifest on stage. Another example is that over time you have changed, but your old classmates still see you as the doormat you once were, and their presence intimidates you to inaction, fostered by self-questioning and self-doubt.
Location
Location-caused fear can come from an uncomfortable place where you have been previously or that you inherently fear because of its reputation. This feeling did not arrive inside of you overnight; therefore, it will take some time to overcome. Bad memories from the past can trigger fear as easily as real physical threats can in the present.
