Why are so many people afraid of public speaking?

Question

The only reason I can think of is that they lack confidence or fear criticism. I don't see why this should hinder them, though, since criticism is a generally a good thing. If so many people lack confidence, then is the matter cultural and not personal?

Answer 1

I don't think it's as simple as to say that people who are nervous when giving public speaches, lack confidence -- even though the two may relate.

First of all, being confident about yourself is not the same as being confident in different situations. You may be a stable person and still be unconfident about things you are unsure of. Most people are able to train themselves past that obstacle and that training is called experience.

I think the issue here is psychological. You face a broad group of people that you are to speak to. You probably don't know many of them and what they are thinking. Instead of them being the audience, they become your opponent. You don't know who to address and look into the eye. You try to form the group into an individual that you may have control over, but when watching over the group, you notice there are many there that you cannot look into the eye and thus, you lose some of that social and psychological control.

That is what I believe leads to nervosity. And of course, there may be practical reasons as well, such as not knowing what to say and distrusting your speech. Holding public speeches puts a higher standard to your verbal skills: something many may not be accustomed to. Imagine if you are to perform a live opera performance and you know you don't have what it takes: wouldn't you be nervous? Or, even if you do have what it takes: wouldn't you still be nervous about performing it?

Many experienced stage actors never get pass that nervosity, but they learn to control it.

Answer 2

I'm semi afraid of public speaking. I can do well if I'm placed on a large stage in front of a massive audience (i.e. Plays, concerts) but if you have me in front of a small audience (i.e. Class room, family), I will freeze up. I trip over what I'm saying and forget what I was going to say.

But fearing rejection. Yes, a little. People who don't like public speaking usually don't appreciate much criticism. I appreciate criticism, but if it's being given to me face to face, I won't be able to look the person in the eye.

Answer 3

For myself I really don't like being in the spotlight or get tonnes of attention. Could explain why I almost never wear make up or dress nicely. For years I have sat in the corner as quiet as a doormouse. Do I lack confidence? - no, not really cause I can stand my ground and I'm not afraid to be who I am and can take charge when needed.

I'm a highly people oriented person and I care a lot about others and the well being of society. I have a career in a social work/health type field. I'm able to be self sacrificing so that others can get ahead in life or improve their own quality of live. (thus my work in a homeless shelter and now I work with people who have developmental disablities/acquired brain/spinal injuries.

I am true to who I am but my Ego is weak and not there really. I'm scared to become egotistical with a big head if I ever dared to get out in the spotlight and blow my own horn. I refuse to be seen as conceited or only caring about myself. I don't see myself greater than everyone - I myself as an equal with my peers.

I'm a warm hearted caring soul who will sit and listen to others and try and soothe their worries. So getting out there and talking in public is a challnge cause I'm not used to having a silent crowd activly sit there and listen to what I actually have to say about things. The role reversal from listener to speaker is a big change.

I'm a highly sensitive gal and strongly intuitive - my strength would be observation skills and knowing what to do in group situations. So in my line of work that is what I do when I work with nonverbal clients......

The other fear is losing my privacy cause I'm fiercly private about my own life and thoughts. maybe I'm being selfish with myself.....ah who knows......

My two cents worth.......

Answer 4

I'd have to say that most people I've come in contact with don't like speaking in public, I know that I don't either. I rather speak in front of people I know, I guess its maybe more of an insecure thing? .."what if i goof up, what if i talk to fast, what if i stutter"...I dont think that criticism is bad, however just because somebody doesn't like talking in front of a group of people doesn't mean they lack confidence. I know that for me I am an only child, so i'm not use to being in front of a lot of people..i have a small family, etc. For some people it is just harder i guess!

Answer 5

No, I think it's because people are pre-judging what they think the audiance is going to judge about them instead of focusing on what they are saying and the message that they are trying to get across. Fear is an emotion, much like crying. You can't stop it when it comes on it's on, it's like you have no control over it.

Objective fear is a valuable protection mechanism. By contrast, irrational fear is destructive whenever it stops a person from taking needed actions. Fortunately, the paralyzing effects of irrational fear can be overcome with direct, conscious effort. For example, if a person takes a rational action that he or she fears (if no actual danger exists), that fear will dissipate. Irrational fears can cause inaction that prevents deserving, productive people from developing prosperity and happiness. A fearlessness to live is perhaps the most financially and emotionally rewarding character trait that an honest, productive person can develop.

Answer 6

Public speaking ranges from difficult to deadly terror for much of the population. I see a combination of factors . . . childhood criticism from parents and teachers, the message that one's never quite good enough, the compulsive need to be perfect and so not attempting difficult things. People can be afraid of all sorts of things, from the real possibility of memory failure to the unreal possibility of death. Then there is the fear of impromptu events that can't be controlled, like hostile crowds, or a question you can't answer immediately, or not being "clever" enough.

Answer 7

Ive done quiet a bit of public speaking-particularly when Im 1/2 pissed!haha

Answer 8

Lack of self confidence, lack of knowledge of the subject and most important is fear of other around you and the environment where every body is filling negative thoughts in your mind. Public speaking requires lot of encouragement at least by near and dear ones.

Answer 9

Not all critisicm is constructive. Not all people want cristism period. If you know someone doesn't like you or will judge you, it's naturally going to make you a bit nerved to have to put yourself out there willingly to be subjected to that.

Answer 10

I agree.
I also think it's possibly got something to do with rejection??? Maybe the audience may not agree with the speakers views, resultant booing or developing negative views to the speaker.