s in a fit of nervous laughter. This idea of rejection from a group probably stems from our evolutionary history, genetically encoded in our brains, where being accepted by the tribe was a matter of life and death. Win the approval of the tribe, be guaranteeHi, my name is John Doe and I’m a Glossophobic

People who suffer from glossophobia, the fear of public speaking, may need some time to recognize they have a very real phobia. It may take multiple trials and failed attempts at making an effective speech for them to realize they have a very real problem. Usually by the time the consistent pattern of panic occurs, the person feels so disheartened by their abilities that their confidence is stricken and they are convinced they are unworthy, or just plain ‘no good’ at speaking in public. In this vein of thinking, the person then will avoid at all costs the situation of being forced to speak in public and when it is cleverly or luckily avoided, they feel immense relief.

Unlike other phobias where there is an actual threat of danger- from heights, deadly spiders or swimming in large ocean waves, the fear of public speaking presents no real danger elements. No one will be threatening to ‘shoot to kill’ if the presentation gets a bit fouled up or the speaker convulses in a fit of nervous laughter. This idea of rejection from a group probably stems from our evolutionary history, genetically encoded in our brains, where being accepted by the tribe was a matter of life and death. Win the approval of the tribe, be guaranteed

for them to realize they have a very real problem. Usually by the time the consistent pattern of panic occurs, the person feels so disheartened by their abilities that their confidence is stricken and they are convinced they are unworthy, or just plain ‘no good’ at speaking in public. In this vein of thinking, the person then will avoid at all costs the situation of being forced to speak in public and when it is cleverly or luckily avoided, they feel immense relief.

Unlike other phobias where there is an actual threat of danger- from heights, deadly spiders or swimming in large ocean waves, the fear of public speaking presents no real danger elements. No one will be threatening to ‘shoot to kill’ if the presentation gets a bit fouled up or the speaker convulses in a fit of nervous laughter. This idea of rejection from a group probably stems from our evolutionary history, genetically encoded in our brains, where being accepted by the tribe was a matter of life and death. Win the approval of the tribe, be guarantee

ood’ at speaking in public. In this vein of thinking, the person then will avoid at all costs the situation of being forced to speak in public and when it is cleverly or luckily avoided, they feel immense relief.

Unlike other phobias where there is an actual threat of danger- from heights, deadly spiders or swimming in large ocean waves, the fear of public speaking presents no real danger elements. No one will be threatening to ‘shoot to kill’ if the presentation gets a bit fouled up or the speaker convulses in a fit of nervous laughter. This idea of rejection from a group probably stems from our evolutionary history, genetically encoded in our brains, where being accepted by the tribe was a matter of life and death. Win the approval of the tribe, be guarantee

ctual threat of danger- from heights, deadly spiders or swimming in large ocean waves, the fear of public speaking presents no real danger elements. No one will be threatening to ‘shoot to kill’ if the presentation gets a bit fouled up or the speaker convulses in a fit of nervous laughter. This idea of rejection from a group probably stems from our evolutionary history, genetically encoded in our brains, where being accepted by the tribe was a matter of life and death. Win the approval of the tribe, be guarantees in a fit of nervous laughter. This idea of rejection from a group probably stems from our evolutionary history, genetically encoded in our brains, where being accepted by the tribe was a matter of life and death. Win the approval of the tribe, be guaranteed of food and shelter. Be rejected by the tribe and suffer the life of the outcast, banished from the group to feast on berries and river water and fight the elements ALONE. This high-anxiety producing, primitive response to survival is entangled with the need for approval from a group.

So, what to do?? Many people spend a lot of time and energy in avoidance. Avoiding presentations, turning to alcohol or drugs, mysterious disappearances from work, feigning illness, rejecting promotions for fear of their public speaking phobia being discovered if the higher position involves presentations or manipulation of coworkers or other people. The energy and attention produced in avoidance could much better be used in proper preparation and methods of calming to distract from the irrational phobia. Eventually, this person is up against a wall, either socially or professionally and is called upon to face their fears. Getting help is a much better option.

There are resources available that can rapidly improve one’s fear o