Editing Glossophobia

{{Short description|Fear of public speaking}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2019}}
{{Infobox medical condition
 |name          = 
 |synonyms       = speech anxiety, public speaking anxiety
 |image         = 
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 |caption       = 
 |pronounce     = 
 |specialty     = [[psychology]]
 |symptoms      = 
 |complications = 
}}'''Glossophobia''' or '''speech anxiety''' is the fear of public speaking.<ref name="Zinc">{{Cite journal|last1=Hancock|first1=A.B.|last2=Stone|first2=M.D.|last3=Brundange |first3=S.D.|last4=Zeigler |first4=M.T.|date=2010|title= Public Speaking Attitudes: Does Curriculum Make a Difference?|journal= Journal of Voice|volume=24|issue=3|pages=302–307|doi=10.1016/j.jvoice.2008.09.007|pmid=19481418}}</ref> The word ''glossophobia'' derives from the [[Greek (language)|Greek]] γλῶσσα ''glossa'' (tongue) and φόβος ''phobos'' (fear or dread.) The causes of glossophobia are uncertain but explanations include [[communibiology]] and the [[illusion of transparency]]. Further explanations range from nervousness produced by a lack of preparation to, one of the most common psychiatric disorders, [[social anxiety disorder]] (SAD).

Its symptoms include one or more of physiological changes, mental disruptions, and detrimental speech performance. There are several ways to overcome glossophobia, which include preparation and rehearsing, deconstructing beliefs, engaging in positive self-talk, visualizing optimal performance, practicing mindfulness, breathing exercises, creating an anxiety hierarchy, using virtual reality, computerized coaches and medications such as [[beta-blockers]].

== Causes ==
{{more citations needed|section|date=December 2020}}

Considerable research has been conducted into the causes of glossophobia, with a number of potential causes being suggested. One proposed explanation is that these anxieties are a specific symptom of [[social anxiety]] produced by fearfulness related to the [[fight-or-flight response]], which is produced by a perceived threat;<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Panayiotou|first1=Georgia|last2=Karekla|first2=Maria|last3=Georgiou|first3=Dora|last4=Constantinou|first4=Elena|last5=Paraskeva-Siamata|first5=Michaela|date=1 June 2017|title=Psychophysiological and self-reported reactivity associated with social anxiety and public speaking fear symptoms: Effects of fear versus distress|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28599192/|journal=Psychiatry Research|volume=255|pages=278–286|doi=10.1016/j.psychres.2017.05.044|issn=1872-7123|pmid=28599192|s2cid=4632246}}</ref> this triggers an elevated defense reaction in the [[sympathetic nervous system]] to be alert, to run, hide or freeze.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} It is linked to the psychiatric condition known as [[social anxiety disorder]] (SAD) which is a mental predisposition to believe that social interactions will result in harsh negative judgement from others and poor outcomes because of such judgement;<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Costache|first1=Mădălina Elena|last2=Frick|first2=Andreas|last3=Månsson|first3=Kristoffer|last4=Engman|first4=Jonas|last5=Faria|first5=Vanda|last6=Hjorth|first6=Olof|last7=Hoppe|first7=Johanna M.|last8=Gingnell|first8=Malin|last9=Frans|first9=Örjan|last10=Björkstrand|first10=Johannes|last11=Rosén|first11=Jörgen|date=29 April 2020|title=Higher- and lower-order personality traits and cluster subtypes in social anxiety disorder|journal=PLOS ONE|language=en|volume=15|issue=4|pages=e0232187|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0232187|issn=1932-6203|pmc=7190155|pmid=32348331|bibcode=2020PLoSO..1532187C|doi-access=free}}</ref> thus, before the social interaction occurs such as a public speech, the individual creates negative thoughts of failure, dread and the idea of being incapable, producing negative feelings and physiological responses.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Daly |first1=John A. |last2=Vangelisti |first2=Anita L. |last3=Lawrence |first3=Samuel G. |date=January 1989 |title=Self-focused attention and public speaking anxiety |url=https://doi.org/10.1016/0191-8869(89)90025-1 |journal=Personality and Individual Differences |language=en |volume=10 |issue=8 |pages=903–913 |doi=10.1016/0191-8869(89)90025-1 |issn=0191-8869}}</ref>

Individuals who suffer from SAD engage in negative visualization and self-talk which halt their attention and ability to stay focused and drain their cognitive power and physical energy. People suffering from SAD believe they are just not good at public speaking, setting a belief as a fact and falling victim to a popular psychological phenomenon known as [[self-fulfilling prophecy]]. Moreover, individuals with SAD add more mental pressure because they commonly expect others to like them or accept them, measure their self-worth by their social interaction performance, and believe that showing emotions is the same as showing weakness.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}

A study with 59 individuals diagnosed with SAD and 63 non-anxious individuals in which they were engaged in an unexpected public speech, received standardized positive or neutral feedback and were asked to recall their positive feedback five minutes later and one week after their unexpected performance. Individuals suffering from SAD recalled their feedback less positively than what it had been, whereas some non-anxious individuals even recalled their feedback more positively suggesting a self-protective drive to maintain their self-esteem.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Glazier|first1=Brianne L|last2=Lynn|first2=E. Alden|date=31 January 2019|title=Social Anxiety Disorder and Memory for Positive Feedback|url=https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2019-04754-001|journal=Journal of Abnormal Psychology|volume=128| issue = 3|pages=228–233|doi=10.1037/abn0000407|pmid=30702303|s2cid=73414029|via=Ebsco}}</ref>

In addition, other key causes of this anxiety have been identified as the novelty of the experience, the characteristics of the audience, the [[illusion of transparency]] and the degree to which the speaker identifies public speaking as a performance as opposed to an act of [[communication]].

== Symptoms ==
The more specific symptoms of speech anxiety can be grouped into three categories: physical, verbal, and non-verbal. Physical symptoms include: shaking, sweating, [[butterflies in the stomach]], dry mouth, and rapid heartbeats.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Anderson|first1=Page L.|last2=Zimand|first2=Elana|last3=Hodges|first3=Larry F.|last4=Rothbaum|first4=Barbara O.|date=2005|title=Cognitive behavioral therapy for public-speaking anxiety using virtual reality for exposure|journal=Depression and Anxiety|volume=22|issue=3|pages=156–158|doi=10.1002/da.20090|issn=1091-4269|pmid=16231290|s2cid=40320949}}</ref> As Garcia-Lopez (2013)<ref>{{cite web|title=Speech Anxiety|url=https://www.comm.pitt.edu/speech-anxiety|access-date=5 December 2018|website=University of Pittsburgh Department of Communication}}</ref> has noted, symptoms can include acute hearing, increased heart rate and blood pressure, dilated pupils, increased perspiration and oxygen intake, stiffening of neck/upper back muscles, and dry mouth. Uncontrollable shaking is also common and often occurs prior to the phobia-eliciting stimulus. Verbal symptoms include (but are not limited to) a tense or quivering voice, and vocalized pauses known as vocal fillers or [[speech disfluency]].  Nonverbal symptoms could include going blank during the speech, and remaining dependent on note cards.

== Help and relief ==
{{Rhetoric}}
Training courses in public speaking and/or organizations such as [[Australian Rostrum]], [[Toastmasters International]], POWERtalk International, and [[Association of Speakers Clubs]] or [[Cultural Activities|cultural activities]] at school level can help people to reduce their fear of public speaking to manageable levels.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Cultural Activities in School - MIT Vishwashanti Gurukul|url=https://www.mitgurukul.com/cultural-activities-in-school.php|access-date=2021-07-08|website=www.mitgurukul.com}}</ref>

In some cases, anxiety can be mitigated by a speaker not attempting to resist their anxiety, thus fortifying the anxiety/fight-or-flight loop. Other strategies involve using one's nervousness to enliven an otherwise fearful speech presentation.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fadden|first=Helen|date=November 2016|title=Glossophobia – Everything You Need to Know|url=https://www.thehealthyapron.com/glossophobia-fear-public-speaking|website=thehealthyapron.com/}}</ref>

Traditional advice has been to urge fearful speakers not to take themselves too seriously, and to be reminded that mistakes are often unnoticed by audiences. Gaining experience in public speaking often results in it becoming less anxiety-provoking over time. Recent studies suggest that there is a close link between fear of public speaking and self-efficacy and that attempts to help presenters improve their [[self-efficacy]] will also reduce this fear.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://pdf.steerweb.org/Handbook%20of%20Curriculum%20Development%20-%20L.%20Kattington%20(Nova,%202010)%20WW.pdf#page=202|title=Handbook of Curriculum Development|publisher=[[Nova Science Publishers, Inc.]]|year=2010|isbn=978-1-61122-882-3|editor=Limon E. Kattington|location=New York|pages=202|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424043722/http://pdf.steerweb.org/Handbook%20of%20Curriculum%20Development%20-%20L.%20Kattington%20%28Nova%2C%202010%29%20WW.pdf#page=202|archive-date=24 April 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Hassall|first1=Trevor|last2=Arquero|first2=Jose L.|last3=Joyce|first3=John|last4=Gonzalez|first4=Jose M.|date=12 July 2013|title=Communication apprehension and communication self-efficacy in accounting students|url=http://shura.shu.ac.uk/11679/1/Hassall%20Communication%20apprehension%20communication%20self-efficacy%20accounting%20students.pdf|journal=Asian Review of Accounting|volume=21|issue=2|pages=160–175|doi=10.1108/ARA-03-2013-0017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Grice|first=George L.|title=Mastering Public Speaking 9th Edition|publisher=Pearson|year=2015|isbn=978-0133753837|pages=29}}</ref>

Loosening up a "tough crowd" by asking questions promotes audience participation. A speaker may also find this exercise to be helpful when their mind "goes blank", as it gives them time to regain their [[train of thought]].

=== Medication ===
[[Beta blocker|Beta-blockers]] are commonly prescribed off-label to mitigate the immediate physical reactions associated with anxiety, including glossophobia. These medications act by blocking the effects of [[adrenaline]], thereby reducing symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, trembling, and sweating. [[Propranolol]], in particular, has been noted for its efficacy in managing [[stage fright]] and is widely used among performers and public speakers.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Szeleszczuk |first1=Łukasz |last2=Frączkowski |first2=Dawid |date=2022-09-03 |title=Propranolol versus Other Selected Drugs in the Treatment of Various Types of Anxiety or Stress, with Particular Reference to Stage Fright and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder |journal=International Journal of Molecular Sciences |language=en |volume=23 |issue=17 |pages=10099 |doi=10.3390/ijms231710099 |doi-access=free |issn=1422-0067 |pmc=9456064 |pmid=36077489}}</ref>

[[Benzodiazepine|Benzodiazepines]] (e.g., lorazepam, clonazepam) are fast-acting anxiolytics medications that can help in acute, high-stress situations. They function by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter [[GABA]], producing a calming effect. However, they carry risks of toxicity and physical dependency, and are generally reserved for short-term or occasional use.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Guina |first1=Jeffrey |last2=Merrill |first2=Brian |date=2018-01-30 |title=Benzodiazepines I: Upping the Care on Downers: The Evidence of Risks, Benefits and Alternatives |journal=Journal of Clinical Medicine |volume=7 |issue=2 |pages=17 |doi=10.3390/jcm7020017 |doi-access=free |issn=2077-0383 |pmc=5852433 |pmid=29385731}}</ref>

[[Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor|Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors]] (SSRIs), including [[sertraline]] and [[paroxetine]], are commonly prescribed for generalized social anxiety disorder. These medications work by increasing [[serotonin]] levels in the brain, which can help improve mood and reduce anxiety over time. Unlike beta-blockers and benzodiazepines, SSRIs require several weeks to  achieve therapeutic effects and are typically used as long-term treatment options.

=== Psychotherapy ===
[[Cognitive behavioral therapy|Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)]] is a widely recognized and effective treatment for glossophobia, particularly when the condition is associated with social anxiety disorder. CBT focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns associated with public speaking anxiety, and replacing them with more positive and realistic beliefs. The approach often includes [[exposure therapy]], in which individuals confront feared social situations either through real-life exposure (in vivo) or imagined scenarios (in vitro), to reduce anxiety and improve their public speaking performance.<ref>{{Citation |last1=Kaplan |first1=Simona C. |title=Psychological Treatments for Social Anxiety Disorder |date=2018-01-24 |encyclopedia=Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Psychology |url=http://oxfordre.com/psychology/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780190236557.001.0001/acrefore-9780190236557-e-98 |access-date=2025-05-11 |publisher=Oxford University Press |language=en |doi=10.1093/acrefore/9780190236557.013.98 |isbn=978-0-19-023655-7 |last2=Swee |first2=Michaela B. |last3=Heimberg |first3=Richard G.}}</ref> 

While CBT has demonstrated effectiveness, both in vivo and in vitro exposure methods can present challenges, such as high time and resource requirements, limited environmental control, and difficulties some individuals face in visualizing anxiety-provoking situations.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Reeves |first1=Rachel |last2=Curran |first2=David |last3=Gleeson |first3=Amanda |last4=Hanna |first4=Donncha |date=2022-07-01 |title=A Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Virtual Reality and In Vivo Exposure Therapy as Psychological Interventions for Public Speaking Anxiety |journal=Behavior Modification |language=EN |volume=46 |issue=4 |pages=937–965 |doi=10.1177/0145445521991102 |issn=0145-4455 |pmc=9158252 |pmid=33533265}}</ref> One study reported that CBT combined with [[Virtual reality therapy|virtual reality exposure]] significantly reduced public speaking anxiety, with improvements maintained at a three-month follow-up.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Anderson |first1=Page L. |last2=Zimand |first2=Elana |last3=Hodges |first3=Larry F. |last4=Rothbaum |first4=Barbara O. |date=2005 |title=Cognitive behavioral therapy for public-speaking anxiety using virtual reality for exposure |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16231290 |journal=Depression and Anxiety |volume=22 |issue=3 |pages=156–158 |doi=10.1002/da.20090 |issn=1091-4269 |pmid=16231290}}</ref> Another study found that while both CBT and VRCBT significantly reduced public speaking anxiety, twice as many clients dropped out of CBT (15) than from VRCBT (6).<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Safir |first1=Marilyn P. |last2=Wallach |first2=Helene S. |last3=Bar-Zvi |first3=Margalit |date=2012-03-01 |title=Virtual Reality Cognitive-Behavior Therapy for Public Speaking Anxiety: One-Year Follow-Up |url=https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0145445511429999 |journal=Behavior Modification |language=EN |volume=36 |issue=2 |pages=235–246 |doi=10.1177/0145445511429999 |issn=0145-4455}}</ref> 

==== '''[[Virtual reality exposure therapy|Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET)]]''' ====
As an alternative to in vivo and in vitro exposure therapy, VRET has emerged as an effective intervention for individuals experiencing glossophobia and it overcomes some of the limitations of traditional CBT. VRET simulates public speaking scenarios and evokes anxiety responses comparable to real-world experiences, enabling gradual [[Desensitization (psychology)|desensitization]] within a safe setting.

Recent technological advancements have enabled the development of self-guided and automated VRET platforms that do not require direct clinician involvement. Growing evidence supports the effectiveness of such approaches, where one study found that self-guided VRET produced similar reductions in public speaking anxiety compared to those achieved through therapist-led sessions.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Lindner |first1=Philip |last2=Miloff |first2=Alexander |last3=Fagernäs |first3=Simon |last4=Andersen |first4=Joel |last5=Sigeman |first5=Martin |last6=Andersson |first6=Gerhard |last7=Furmark |first7=Tomas |last8=Carlbring |first8=Per |date=2019-01-01 |title=Therapist-led and self-led one-session virtual reality exposure therapy for public speaking anxiety with consumer hardware and software: A randomized controlled trial |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0887618517306321 |journal=Journal of Anxiety Disorders |series=Virtual reality applications for the anxiety disorders |volume=61 |pages=45–54 |doi=10.1016/j.janxdis.2018.07.003 |pmid=30054173 |issn=0887-6185}}</ref>

Innovations in VRET design have focused on user engagement. Dr. Chris Macdonald from the University of Cambridge developed an open-access VR platform compatible with smartphones, headsets and laptops. The system immerses users in simulated speaking environments with gradual exposure to anxiety-inducing stimuli, ranging from small classrooms to large stadium with 10,000 highly-distracting virtual spectators. A single 30 minute session experiment with 29 adolescents reported a substantial reduction in public speaking anxiety using the VR platform.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Nicola |last2=correspondent |first2=Nicola Davis Science |date=2025-03-15 |title=Free online virtual reality tool helps people tackle public speaking nerves |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/mar/15/online-vr-tool-virtual-reality-public-speaking-nerves-anxiety?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Macdonald |first=Chris |date=2024-12-16 |title=Improving virtual reality exposure therapy with open access and overexposure: a single 30-minute session of overexposure therapy reduces public speaking anxiety |journal=Frontiers in Virtual Reality |language=English |volume=5 |doi=10.3389/frvir.2024.1506938 |doi-access=free |issn=2673-4192}}</ref>

While most research on VRET for glossophobia has focused on adult populations, there are studys targeting adolescents, who may be less likely to seek formal treatment for anxiety-related issues. A gamified VRET program was developed specifically for teenagers, combining traditional exposure techniques with game elements such as rewards, goal-setting, and challenges to enhance engagement and reduce dropout rates. A pilot study found that this approach led to significant reductions in public speaking anxiety compared to a waitlist control group, highlighting the potential of gamification to enhance both engagement and treatment outcomes in teenagers.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Kahlon |first1=Smiti |last2=Lindner |first2=Philip |last3=Nordgreen |first3=Tine |date=2023-08-29 |title=Gamified virtual reality exposure therapy for adolescents with public speaking anxiety: a four-armed randomized controlled trial |journal=Frontiers in Virtual Reality |language=English |volume=4 |doi=10.3389/frvir.2023.1240778 |doi-access=free |issn=2673-4192|hdl=11250/3123045 |hdl-access=free }}</ref>

== Epidemiology ==
Glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, is considered one of the most common phobias, affecting approximately 75% of the population to some degree. While many individuals experience mild anxiety, about 5% suffer from severe forms that can significantly interfere with daily functioning. <ref>{{Cite web |title=49 Fear Of Public Speaking Statistics (Prevalence) |url=https://www.ambitionsaba.com/resources/fear-of-public-speaking-statistics?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=www.ambitionsaba.com |language=en}}</ref>

In academic settings, glossophobia is particularly prevalent. A study conducted among university students in the United States found that 64% of participants experienced fear of public speaking, and approximately 90% expressed a desire for their undergraduate curriculum to include courses aimed at enhancing public speaking skills.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Ferreira Marinho |first1=Anna Carolina |last2=Mesquita de Medeiros |first2=Adriane |last3=Côrtes Gama |first3=Ana Cristina |last4=Caldas Teixeira |first4=Letícia |date=2017-01-01 |title=Fear of Public Speaking: Perception of College Students and Correlates |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0892199715003082?getft_integrator=tfo&pes=vor&utm_source=tfo |journal=Journal of Voice |volume=31 |issue=1 |pages=127.e7–127.e11 |doi=10.1016/j.jvoice.2015.12.012 |pmid=26898522 |issn=0892-1997}}</ref> This fear may negatively impact academic egagement and performance, leading to avoidance of presentations and negative school experience. Students for whom English is a second language may experience even higher levels of anxiety, as language-related stressors interact with communication apprehension. <ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Rahmat |first1=Noor Hanim |last2=Bakar |first2=Amirul Mukmin Abu |last3=Zamri |first3=Akmal Haziq |last4=Roslan |first4=Aida Nasuha |last5=Zakaria |first5=Ain Zuhraa |last6=Sabandi |first6=Dania Thurayya Ahmad |last7=Zaki |first7=Muhammad Alif Imran Mohamad |date=2021-05-13 |title=A Study of Speech Anxiety Among Esl Learners |url=https://oapub.org/edu/index.php/ejel/article/view/3736 |journal=European Journal of English Language Teaching |language=en |volume=6 |issue=4 |doi=10.46827/ejel.v6i4.3736|doi-access=free }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Telephone phobia]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
* Rothwell, J. Dan. ''In The Company of Others: An Introduction to Communication''. New York: McGraw Hill, 2004.

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Situational phobias]]
[[Category:Public speaking]]