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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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?

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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.

11. Further reading /sources
brainblocks/201711/why-are-we-scared-public-speaking