What is fear of public speaking? Fear of public speaking is a form of social phobia - an intense and irrational fear of being judged by others when speaking in front of them - or of making mistakes, being embarrassed or humiliated in such situations - causing dread, panic and avoidance. Sufferers recognise that their fear is excessive or unreasonable but they feel powerless to do anything to change their responses. So the feared situations - such as presentations, wedding speeches, meetings or even one-to-ones - are avoided or else endured with intense anxiety or distress. In work situations the fear most commonly occurs around formal presentations and meetings. It can then spread out to smaller groups, to conference calls, to informal situations like one-on-one conversations (especially with more senior people) and to things like introducing oneself on a course. It can then even spill into social situations with friends and family.
Posted on: Wed, 03 Jul 2013 08:32:22 +0000