Master the Stage With Public Speaking Therapy

Don’t Let Your Public Speaking Fear Hold You Back

Public speaking anxiety is common but that doesn’t mean it can’t be intense for some. Some can’t speak in front of people at all, and fear speaking in public more than death — others feel like passing out when put on the spot. Glossophobia may be associated with social anxiety or other phobias. But it’s just as likely to be public speaking alone that terrifies people.

Fear is a primal emotion that developed to protect people from harm, to give them the instinct to escape or destroy threats to life. But when fear is irrational and excessive, it serves no purpose and causes problems. If the thought of speaking publicly makes you feel like you’re standing at the edge of a cliff, it may be time to seek professional help.

What Does Glossophobia Feel Like?

Glossophobia, the fear of public speaking, is a social phobia and it can be intensely distressing. Those affected might experience physical symptoms like trembling, sweating, a rapid heartbeat, dry mouth, shortness of breath and anxiety in social situations.

Emotionally, they may feel heightened anxiety, sometimes leading to panic attacks, and often engage in avoidance behaviours to escape speaking situations. Cognitively, negative self-talk, blanking out during speech, and hyper-awareness of every action are common.

This fear goes beyond mere nervousness and can significantly impact daily activities and professional roles. However, with appropriate interventions, it can be managed or overcome.

Do you have any questions for us? Get in touch with us through our online contact form

What’s the Difference Between Being Shy and a Fear of Public Speaking?

Shyness and fear of public speaking share many characteristics. However, people with this social anxiety disorder don’t just feel nervous before giving a speech; they may worry about the speech for weeks or months beforehand. They may also lose sleep due to anxiety and have intense anxiety symptoms during the feared situation, such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, sweating, or shaking.

Symptoms of Glossophobia

Symptoms of public speaking phobia can include:

• Dizziness
• Increased heart rate
• Tight chest
• Trying to distract yourself
• Digestive problems
• Excess Sweating
• Blushing
• The sense that you’re about to faint
• Anxiety
• Nightmares

The symptoms usually do not go away but get worse as the situation progresses. The symptoms of public speaking anxiety usually get worse if they are left unchecked. 

The good news is that you can overcome Glossophobia with help and learn how to manage anxiety. The therapists at Bayside Psychotherapy have experience treating phobias of all kinds for people from all walks of life. We may be able to provide you with the tools you need to help you work through yours.

How Does Bayside Psychotherapy Treat Phobias?

At Bayside Psychotherapy, we draw on our knowledge of a wide range of therapy methodologies to tailor treatment plans to clients’ needs. Some of the approaches we may apply include counselling, mindfulness therapy, psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and Buddhist psychotherapy.

After an initial assessment, we will consult with you to come up with what we feel will be the most effective form of treatment to get to the bottom of your fears. We aim to help you gain insight into the origin of your fear. Generally, the better you understand yourself, the easier it may be to break the patterns of panic and paralysis public speaking triggers. We can also offer you strategies that may help calm you before a speaking event, and quell anxiety as it arises.

Do you have any questions for us? Get in touch with us through our online contact form.

Call Bayside Psychotherapy on (03) 9557 9113 to find out if we’re able to help you. Your call is completely confidential, and there’s absolutely no obligation.

You can also book an appointment by using our online booking form for online appointments. Or, if you prefer, you can book an in-clinic session.

Self-hypnosis may also work well when used in conjunction with counselling. You can download our Fear of Public Speaking Self Hypnosis recording from our website.