Glossophobia

Tips on How to Improve Glossophobia

Do your hands and feet start shaking when asked to make a speech? Is it common for you to mumble and fumble and stutter and mutter when asked to make a speech? This is a common phenomenon, not once but always. In common parlance this is known as glossophobia.

Glossophobia may be attributed to many factors. It may simply be a question mark in the confidence factor, or may be the result of a trauma or humiliation that may have happened. It is a common trait or phobia that one suffers from. Not everyone has the gift of the gab to be effectively making a speech in public. This can cause you to lose out on some rare opportunities which may simply be a once in a life time case.

Since glossophobia is fear of speaking in public, one has to find different ways to overcome it. It is necessary to understand the causes and how it affects you. Is it just a physical phenomenon or something that is more deep set? Is it a cause of a trauma that may have affected you deeply? To begin with one has to talk stock of his or her thoughts and why does it affect one so much. As wise men feel, face your fear by gripping it by its neck. Some things can only heal if you face it upfront rather than procrastinating it.

Different people react differently due to glossophobia. Not only on the day of the presentation or the speech but one feel the jitters week or days before. It affects their daily routine and well as their personal and professional life. To the rest of the world it may seem funny. But to you it’s a reality that has affected your life in more ways than one. Know the signs and try to distract yourself from it by doing positive things. Deep breathing, exercises, calming your mind and other therapies can prove to be very helpful. Talking to friends and colleague you can trust helps to give a vent to your feelings and fears.

If you have to be a presenter or are supposed to speak in front of an audience yet you are hesitant and feel that you suffer from the throws of glossophobia you can tackle it calmly instead of getting all riled up. Practice in front of a mirror till you know what you are talking about well enough. Showing your fear in the stage is not helpful. Don’t try to fight your fear. Get onto the stage and start with the little confidence you possess, and start building on it. Knowledge is the greatest asset that you can have to counter your fear with. If you know your subject well, it would be easy to get over your physical fears.

Most of what is termed as glossophobia is fear of the unknown. Believe that nothing is impossible and you will pave your way to success eventually even if it is speaking in public. It is just about confidence, so the knowledge of being able to do it gives you that edge while speaking in public.

Do you suffer from glossophobia or speech anxiety? Up to 75% of people suffer from glossophobia, and we can help! Take one of our glossophobia courses!