OFFICE HOURS: Understanding and tackling the fear of public speaking
Glassophobia. It’s not the fear of glass; it’s the fear of public speaking. Who would have thought!
According to Osmosis, glassophobia is an “anxiety disorder characterized by a persistent and excessive fear” of speaking in front of people. It can manifest in mental, physical and social symptoms or behaviors that are annoying at the least, and immobilizing at their worst.
The fear of public speaking is pervasive, but not as much as the media might have you think. Many stats suggest that most Americans are afraid of public speaking. Not so surprising is that much of that data is presented by speech consultants and coaches looking to “help” allay the fears of potential clients. The more credible data ranges from 21% (Chapman) to 29% (SpeakCalmHQ). But, for those impacted, the fear can be a career killer. And, that’s why it’s the topic of today’s lesson.
What the fear can do
Over the years, I have seen the devastating impact the fear can have on my students. In every course I teach, there is at least one assignment that requires some sort of presentation. Most students have no problem, and some even excel as presenters.
I remember allowing a few anxious students to record their presentation and then play the recording in class; others were frequent office visitors to clarify or practice their presentation. And, in some rare situations, I allowed students to give their presentation to me in my office or in the classroom when no one else was present.
One student in particular I will always remember. They were very afraid of public speaking, and just the prospect of talking about the presentation made them visibly anxious — accelerated talking pace, racing heart, flush face. To their credit, they let me know about this issue at the beginning of the semester. I recall many office visits where we discussed the options — like those I mentioned above. In our earlier meetings, they could not see themselves being able to take advantage of any of the options I laid out. At the same time, I was clear that I would be flexible with the exact delivery, but the assignment had to be submitted as a presentation in some form. They understood.
What you can do
There are many resources that offer support for the glassophobic worker. One that I like in particular is from the National Social Anxiety Center. They suggest three broad approaches to managing the fear. I characterize them like this: Re-Frame, Rehearse, Relax.
Reframe is adopting a different perspective, from the “I’m a loser” self-loathing to “we all have challenges, this is mine!” Rehearse is learning ways to build speaker skills and practicing them. If you make progress with the first two, you’ll start to feel some semblance of peace and be able to Relax.
Without realizing it then, I had applied this approach to the student I discussed above. We met in my office throughout the semester. Each meeting we addressed a different aspect of their fear — where they thought it came from, why it was so powerful, what vision they had for themselves as a person who would likely need to speak in front of others at work. I listened and empathized, without playing the therapist or being judgemental. I did make it a point to “normalize” their concerns and called them out when they made self-critical comments that were unnecessarily harsh or disempowering. (Reframe). I shared some tips: the paper clip anchor to ground you without anyone noticing it; the suggestion that pauses are not bad and can be used to re-capture your energy and focus; and, mistakes may likely happen, but perspective will stop them from derailing the rest of the presentation (Rehearse).
Gradually, their level of anxiety began to soften. And, while they were not looking forward to the presentation, they were able to articulate that they were no longer terrified by having to do it. (Relax).
When the time came for them to present, it went smoothly and there was a sense of calm in their delivery. The following year, still a student, they emailed me about how excited they were to be making their next presentation in another course. I was surprised and ecstatic. Not something I expected but so glad they trusted the process.
If you struggle with public speaking, find a trusted listener, who is comfortable speaking in front of people. Maybe it will be two people, maybe just one — regardless, you will feel the edge mellow and you will begin to hear and celebrate your voice.
Next Column: Not sure, ideas welcome!
Dr. Santo D. Marabella, The Practical Prof, is a professor emeritus of management at Moravian University and hosts the podcast “Office Hours with The Practical Prof … and Friends.” His latest book, “The Lessons of Caring” is written to inspire and support caregivers (available in paperback and eBook). Website: ThePracticalProf.com; Twitter: @PracticalProf; Facebook: ThePracticalProf.
SOURCES & FURTHER READING:
National Social Anxiety Center
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