fear of Public speaking is said to be the Number One Fear reported in surveys of American adults, topping such fears as the fear of flying, financial problems, sickness, and even death!

About Stage Fright and Performance Anxiety

Fear of public speaking is reported to be the number one fear of American adults, with many people experiencing tremendous suffering because of it. This fear often takes a huge toll on peoples' effectiveness in the workplace and in other settings as it stops them from fully expressing their thoughts and ideas in front of others.  This fear afflicts not only the timid and socially anxious, but also those who are otherwise seen as confident and outgoing.  Many people go to great lengths to avoid speaking up in front of groups, either formally or informally, or they are less effective if they do speak up.

A parallel fear exists for people working in the performing arts and entertainment fields, such as singers, musicians, actors, and actresses. Even very talented and accomplished performers may suffer from intense performance anxiety and feel tremendous fear when anticipating or giving performances (or they may avoid performances altogether).

While a mild level of performance anxiety is perfectly normal when one is called upon to speak or perform in public, many people suffer from a much higher level of fear and dread. They may experience symptoms of panic, such as heart palpitations, rapid breathing, sweating, trembling or shaking, feeling dizzy, unsteady or lightheaded, feeling detached, and feeling a loss of control over their ability to manage the fear. They may also experience blushing or heat surges, sweating, difficulty concentrating, and thought blocking.  Often they experience intense anticipatory anxiety prior to the speaking or performance event, sometimes days, weeks, or months ahead of time.

This fear strongly affects an individual's professional life and prospects for career advancement. Many people have given up professional opportunities for advancement if the new position calls for more public speaking or public performance.  Some people have left a job or have not gone on for higher education to avoid facing their fear.  There is clearly much lost potential for individuals, and for society, due to this fear.

Having this fear also takes a big toll on the person's self-confidence and self-esteem, as many people feel embarrassed and ashamed to have such a fear. They may try to keep their fear hidden as much as possible, though they are often afraid of being "found out."  They are often intensely uncomfortable and self-conscious with being "in the spotlight" and having others focus attention on them.

A deep fear associated with public speaking or performing is the fear of embarrassment and negative evaluation by others. Many people feel terrified  of making a fool of themselves in front of others and fear that people will view them as inadequate in some way. There is often a fear of harsh judgment from others, and a fear of loss of credibility and respect if others find out just how afraid they are.  Many people who suffer this fear tend toward perfectionism and are afraid to make mistakes.  They are afraid to let others see their fear and vulnerability, fearful of not being seen as strong and in control.

While a person can often successfully avoid situations that require public speaking or performing, the avoidance behavior itself actually worsens the fear. The person comes to believe that he or she cannot handle speaking or performing situations and that avoidance is the only solution.  While the avoidance initially provides a feeling of great relief, it erodes the person's confidence and self-esteem and thus greatly limits and constricts the person's life choices.

While this problem can seem almost impossible to overcome, there is a way out of it!  You no longer have to be limited by this fear. You can learn how to deal with this incredible challenge in your life so you no longer feel controlled by the fear.

Read Janet's Top Ten Tips for reducing stage fright.