Is it normal to have issues speaking in public or to a group of people? I have no trouble speaking to individuals one on one, but when there is an audience, I become a mess.
– Thanks, Anonymous
Blake Johnson
Blake’s Take
Dear Anonymous,
Thank you for presenting your concern. I would not say this issue is normal, but I would say it is common. I believe few, if any, fears or phobias have the crippling power over the masses that the fear of public speaking does. Many studies suggest that the fear of public speaking is the most reported of all fears[i]. If it is the most common fear, then it outranks society’s fear of death. Does that mean most of the population would rather die than speak in public? I think if this question were presented, most people would answer “no,” but it wouldn’t surprise me to have a few “yes” answers. That’s how powerful some fears and phobias can be.
I was shocked to learn in a public speaking class how prevalent this issue is and that many celebrities and gifted speakers also struggle. The good news is, with so many people sharing the same experiences, we get the benefit of abundant resources. There are classes, books, seminars, webinars, websites, and local support groups dedicated to this subject. Even voicing your concern to random people can be helpful. Most are eager to share supportive tips.
Though I am not proficient in this arena, I am happy to share a few tricks that work for me. First, always research the subject. I’ve noticed that the more familiar I am with the material, the easier it is to speak about. Next, I find it easier when I make eye contact and look around the room. It seems counterintuitive, but feedback from the audience helps me focus on the task rather than my nervousness. Finally, just like anything else we want to master, we must practice. I always get a little nervous speaking, but the more I practice the easier it becomes. I feel like exposure is key to overcoming this fear.
My favorite story about overcoming this issue is in Exod. 4:10-15, (KJV) in the Old Testament. When God was preparing Moses to free the children of Israel, Moses complained about being a terrible speaker. God said, “Who hath made man’s mouth?” He then told Moses to go and, “I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.” Moses still begged God to get someone else. God let his brother Aaron go with him to speak, but Moses ultimately became the spokesman for the children of Israel. Moses had the ability all along. God just had to build his confidence.
Although most cases are manageable with advice and practice, some may be more serious. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the fear of performing or speaking in public can be associated with social anxiety disorder. In extreme cases, individuals will avoid social interactions altogether. If you feel that your fear of public speaking is debilitating, or interferes with your daily life, I suggest seeking professional help. There are professional treatment options available for such cases.
In summary, this is a common issue, and there are plenty of ways to get help. Grab a book, talk to people you know who are good speakers, or find a local class or seminar to attend. Try out different tips and tricks to find what works best for you. I believe that, like Moses, we all have the ability, but we don’t become great without honing our skills. If you feel the issue is overwhelming, there is always professional help available.
Thank you for sharing, and I hope you found this response to be helpful.
Sincerely,
[i] Ebrahimi, O. V., Pallesen, S., Kenter, R. M. F., & Nordgreen, T. (2019). Psychological interventions for the fear of public speaking: A meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 488-488. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00488
