Speech anxiety is a type of anxiety that has emotional and physical characteristics which impede a person's ability to speak in front of groups. These characteristics can be damaging to one's career and/or school grades.
Basics
It's normal to have a little bit of anxiety when you have to make a presentation in front of others; however, someone with speech anxiety would be so overwhelmed that he would either not be able to complete it or the anxiety would impede his performance.
Significance
Speech anxiety can hold someone back from being promoted at work and can seriously impact school performance.
Features
The physical characteristics of speech anxiety include shaking hands, nausea, fast heartbeat, wavering voice and shortness of breath.
Self Help
You can help yourself when you have to make a speech or give a presentation by taking deep breaths beforehand, practicing the presentation, thinking positive thoughts and learning to channel your energy.
Treatment
People suffering from this can get help from a therapist and talk to a doctor about taking beta-blockers which help with the physical symptoms of speech anxiety.
