Causes of Speech Anxiety

It is well-known that public speaking is one of the things most feared by people. According to the University of Southern Mississippi Speaking Center, approximately 70% of people suffer from some type of speech anxiety. Speech anxiety (also known as fear of public speaking) is caused by several factors, including excessive worrying that the audience will not respond to the speech, a lack of confidence in the information being given in the speech, the body's physical response to the situation (rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms, upset stomach), and the size of the audience (the larger the audience, the greater the speech anxiety).

Types

• The type of public speaking will affect speech anxiety. For example, a person will likely have less anxiety about speaking in front of a few well-known coworkers than when speaking in front of thousands of strangers. If a person is talking about a topic he or she knows well or is an expert in, that person will generally not experience as much anxiety as if they are speaking about a topic they don't know very well. Giving a graduation speech to a welcoming group of graduates may not cause as much speech anxiety as giving a speech at an all-hands meeting announcing layoffs.

Significance

• Speech anxiety can cause harmful stress. Physical responses to stress can cause nausea, stomach pain, shortness of breath, and in some cases panic attacks. Speech anxiety is tied to being unprepared for speeches, so the best line of defense to avoid excessive speech stress is to be as well-prepared as possible.

Symptoms

• Anyone who has ever given a speech knows the signs of speech anxiety. They include but are not limited to: perspiring, feeling sick to one's stomach, nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, rapid heartbeat, trembling, shortness of breath, and dry mouth.

Effects

• The physical and emotional effects of speech anxiety can prohibit one from actually making the speech. The University of Rochester points out that people who fear public speaking may avoid taking jobs that require them to make speeches or may be denied promotions due to their social phobia of speaking.

Prevention/Solution

• The best way to prevent or ease speech anxiety is to be completely prepared. Practice the speech over and over again. Make absolutely certain you know as much as can possibly be known about the subject. Take deep breaths before the speech. Avoid caffeine, which may contribute to jitters. Make sure you have water handy. Use visual aids that will take the attention away from you. Always have notes or index cards handy in case you forget your train of thought during the speech. Finally, remember that almost everyone experiences speech anxiety and people somehow manage to get through it every day.