Glossophobia
This article is about the sudden onset of fear while performing. For other uses, see Stage Fright (disambiguation)
The fear of public speaking is called glossophobia (from the Greek glōssa
, meaning tongue, and φόβος phobos'', fear or dread). It is more commonly known as
stage fright.
It is believed to be the single most common
phobia, affecting as much as 75% of all people. When ranked among fears, it generally is the number one fear, even surpassing fear of death. Glossophobia is considered a
social phobia and may be linked to, or sometimes precede, a more severe
anxiety disorder. Several talented and successful musicians have the fear of publicly performing, including
Barbra Streisand and
Dusty Springfield.
Joey Jordison of
Slipknot, on the
Disasterpieces DVD, can be seen vomiting backstage, presumably as a result of stage fright.
Symptoms include:
*intense anxiety prior to, or simply at the thought of having to verbally communicate with any group,
*avoidance of events which focus the group's attention on individuals in attendance,
*physical distress,
nausea, or feelings of
panic in such circumstances.
Many people report stress-induced
speech disorders which are only present during public speech. Some glossophobics have been able to dance or perform in public as long as they do not have to speak, or even speak or sing as long as they cannot see the audience.
The root cause of glossophobia, although occasionally unknown, can usually be attributed to either:
*a single or multiple traumatic incidents, usually experienced personally but sometimes associated with someone who has, or
*a slow build-up from avoiding public speaking over time until it builds into a more severe form of glossophobia.
Some organizations, such as
Toastmasters International, and training courses in public speaking may help to reduce the fear to manageable levels.
Self-help materials that address public speaking are among the best selling self-help topics. Some affected people have turned to certain types of drugs, typically
beta-blockers to temporarily treat their phobia.
*
Lalophobia*
Logophobia*
Selective mutism
