Why do we fear Public Speaking?

Pretty much everyone has at least some anxiety about speaking or performing in public. Our fears run the gamut all the way from slight nerves to full on panic attacks though everyone has some reaction, everyone is worried by it.

The question is, why? Why are we so gripped with fear at the prospect of giving a talk or presenting an idea at a meeting? It’s only talking after all - we’ve been doing that every day since we were kids, we should be okay with it by now surely.

Of course, half of it isn’t actually about the speaking itself, it’s about the outcome. When we speak in public we have an agenda, we are trying to make a point, to make the audience feel or believe something. Much of the anxiety we feel is tied up in what our success or failure in this respect actually means to us. Maybe if it goes well we get a job or a promotion, if it goes badly we don’t.

Another part is self confidence. Almost no one views themselves as completely perfect, when we’re up in front of a large number of people our imperfections and flaws are on display for all to see. Whether or not we actually are, we feel as if we’re being judged by everyone in the room. It’s a rare person that doesn’t at least entertain the notion that their judgement may not end up being favourable.

The main thing to remember about fear of public speaking is this, it’s normal. Anyone who doesn’t appear concerned at the prospect of getting up amongst a group of peers and trying to convince them of something is either a very good actor or a giant narcissist. Rather than trying to banish the fear, embrace it. Remember, fear serves an important biological function - the adrenaline keeps us sharp, forces us to prepare properly and gives us the best chance of success.

Try to master it and use it your advantage.

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