Is fear of public speaking real or imagined? Two sides to a popular issue in modern communication

Intention This presentation is designed to share common ideas from an American/ Anglo framework of whether or not public speaking fear is actually real instead of a result of our imagination You can form your own opinion after taking in the information

Quality of speech vs. feeling the moment The quality of words / writing in a speech is not usually the issue However, imagining your feeling of the future moment is stress can ‘feel’ real right now

Physiology (your nature) vs. societal trend Since the rapid invention of broadcast technology, the correlation between a strong public speech ability and intelligence or leadership trust has become more common People who are naturally nervous are at a disadvantage here, but it is isolated to the ‘myth’ that a good speech ability = intelligence Your intelligence is NOT related to the opinions of others

Anxiety and anxiety sensitivity Anxiety is, “worry” Anxiety sensitivity is being very aware and worried ABOUT your anxiety over public speaking Anxiety ANXIETY SENSITIVITY Situation

Overestimating the stakes Imagining the result of a speech is more important than it is in reality can cause problems For example: “If I don’t get an A on this public speech project, I’ll just die!” Will you really die? Over your life, what actual long term importance does one small score have?

Lack of experience Those who have little practice in public speaking may be MORE sensitive than those who have done many. They could create stories/ situations in their mind about the possible outcomes rather than using the time wisely to practice/ rehearse their speech This becomes a negative cycle of wasting time worrying rather than using time wisely for real practice

Confidence alone “I am confident, therefore, I am a good public speaker.” What could be wrong with this attitude? No proof. Relying on imagined ability and personal character rather than feedback and practice.

Association to punishment For some reason, certain people imagine public speaking as a punishment rather than an opportunity to influence people. If you ‘imagine’ you are being punished, your brain may associate with it. Public speaking – a chance to share your ideas to interested people Public speaking is NOT – a place where you are criticized for mistakes

Dangerous? What? Are you in real danger when you speak in public? Or does your body/ mind produce a chemical reaction that fools you into thinking you’re in danger? Think about it.

Further reading /sources https://www.publicspeakingclasses.com/blog/public-speaking-isnt-scary/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/smashing-the- brainblocks/201711/why-are-we-scared-public-speaking