What Is Speech Anxiety?

Overview

Speech anxiety, also known as stage fright or communication apprehension, is a fear of public speaking. This fear and anxiety cause physical and emotional symptoms that make it difficult or impossible for some people to give a speech or perform in front of an audience.

Identification

Physical symptoms such as trembling, dry mouth, knocking knees and sweating, and psychological symptoms, such as nervousness, forgetfulness, confusion and panic, are all common to speech anxiety.

Significance

Speech anxiety can cause people to lose personal and professional opportunities for which they are otherwise qualified because they avoid any situation that requires them to speak up or perform in front of others and they are not viewed as leaders.

Prevention/Solution

Speech anxiety can be self-managed and symptoms minimized by making sure you are familiar with your subject matter and your audience. Deep-breathing exercises and plenty of practice can help you feel relaxed and prepared.

Benefits

Anxiety is not all bad. Speech anxiety can push you to be well-prepared in advance of your speech or performance and add energy to your presentation.

Fun Fact

Surveys indicate that public speaking is at the top of the list of things adults fear most, ahead of death, divorce, bankruptcy and the dentist, according to experts at the University of Tennessee's College of Communication and Information.