Fear of Public Speaking
Glossophobia, stage fright, or fear of public speaking — by any name, difficulty with speaking to a group of people is very common. Even experienced public speakers will admit to having “butterflies” in anticipation of a speaking event, but for some people, the fear can be paralyzing. When the fear is too great or becomes so overwhelming that even speaking up in front of a small group of coworkers is avoided, it can become debilitating both socially and professionally.
The fear of public speaking may be associated with social anxiety, but regardless of its roots, it can manifest in the same physical ways as other forms of anxiety-related disorders. Sufferers may experience heart palpitations, sweating, confusion, dizziness or lightheadedness, shortness of breath, digestive distress, and more.
As with all anxiety or mood disorders, simply “snapping out of it” is not an option, but nearly everyone can work to lessen their fear by mastering some new skills. Some people may also benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medications, or a combination of both.
Tips for Building Your Public Speaking Skills
- Practice: Repeatedly rehearse your speech or presentation out loud. You can ask a friend to be your audience, or video yourself.
- Familiarity: The more familiar you are with your topic, the more confidently you can speak about it. Do extra research on your topic, even if you don’t include all of the findings in your presentation. A deep understanding will help you feel fully prepared.
- Visualization: Some of the world’s best athletes and entertainers use visualization techniques prior to a competition or performance. Imagine each step of your upcoming experience, from the moment you arrive at the venue to meeting audience members after the event. Picture yourself delivering your material in a relaxed way, and imagine your audience’s positive response.
- Organization: Double-check that any visual or audio components of your presentation are organized and in working order.
Also keep in mind that your audience is made up of individuals who most likely want you to succeed. They’ll be able to relate to the pressures of public speaking and will root for you to do well. Stay focused on your material, make eye contact with people in the audience, and remember that even the best speakers don’t always deliver perfect presentations.
Help for Fear of Public Speaking
For those with phobias, it’s difficult to turn their focus away from the physical symptoms of their anxieties. The fear of public speaking can cause sufferers to be overwhelmed by their physical state, unable to think about anything except their trembling hands or shaky voice. Learning to recognize and take control of negative thoughts, and how to change one’s focus, can often be accomplished through CBT. Rather than mentally or physically running away from the fear, people can learn new ways to confront their anxiety and challenge their own thinking, while gaining mechanisms that can help them cope in effective, healthy, and sustainable ways.
Under the guidance of a licensed mental health professional, CBT can be the key for many people to unlock their fears and be on their way to successful public speaking. If you would like to learn more about how Dr. Andrew Rosen and the staff at The Center for Treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders can help you with your fear of public speaking, please contact us for a confidential assessment at (561) 496-1094.
Looking for immediate help?
Contact Us Today for a Confidential Assessment.
Call 561-496-1094 or
Treatment Programs Specializing In:
Serving the whole person, not just the symptoms. In all of our programs your comfort, privacy and long-term success are paramount.
COVID-19 Trauma has become familiar to many people throughout the pandemic. If you’re experiencing trauma, PTSD, anxiety, or depression as a result of Corona virus learn about how our COVID-19 Trauma Treatment Program can help.
We offer online therapy to help people who are unable to leave their homes. Contact us and we will will schedule your confidential online assessment.
Helping people from all walks of life find deeper connection and understanding to create stronger and healthier relationships.
Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric illnesses affecting children and adults. When you experience anxiety that is persistent, seemingly uncontrollable, overwhelming and disabling you may have an anxiety disorder.
Mood disorders represent a category of psychiatric disorders in which the underlying problem primarily affects a person’s persistent emotional state or mood. Mood disorders are made up of depressive types and bipolar types.
Resilience can help protect a person from various mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, and most importantly this training improves the quality of life. Resilience can also help offset factors that increase the risk of mental health conditions, such as being bullied or previous trauma.
Children and adolescents experience normal problems of growing up due to pressures of social media, school, socializing, self esteem or family. Our youth services provide assistance in dealing with educational, social, and vocational issues.
The Trauma Institute provides highly specialized clinical services, informed by the latest cutting edge-research, for trauma survivors. We are an Institute dedicated to clinical services, community education, professional training, and research focused on trauma recovery.
Individuals or couples who want to transition into parenthood but are experiencing difficulties becoming pregnant may feel alone, frustrated, ashamed or experience symptoms of depression or anxiety. Pregnancy therapy may be a helpful outlet to help cope with these feelings and reduce stress.
Many children and adults who have weak executive functioning skills are negatively impacted in all areas of life but fortunately through assessment and intervention, executive skills can be strengthened and compensatory strategies can be learned. When these skills are well developed, children and adults can better maximum their potential and future outcomes.
Families naturally go through stages and transitions across the lifespan. Family dynamics impact each individuals’ response to daily life and major events. Therapy can help families understand their complex and ever-changing dynamics. As the family becomes an expert in their processes, they will be able to use new skills to navigate each situation with love and respect for one another.
Learning should be empowering and meaningful for all students. Our new services being offered include the teaching of strategies to maximize learning. Academic coaching and personalized learning strategies can help students learn to use patterns, meaning, body motion, mnemonics, their color spectrum, visuals and mind maps to enhance attention and working memory. When learning becomes meaningful, positive physical changes happen in the brain.
What We Treat
Other addictions and disorders
Types of Therapy
The Center offers cutting edge therapy designed to get you on the road to a speedy recovery. We will help you to learn how to live your daily life free from the fears or compulsions that inhibit you or your child’s ability to complete each day’s tasks.
More Ways to Get Help Now
The Center offers cutting edge therapy designed to get you on the road to a speedy recovery. We know that you can’t always make it into our office for your session. Which is why we now provide teletherapy. You can get support from the comfort of your own home. We offer cognitive behavior therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, mindfulness meditation, group therapy, and medication. Depending on your needs, here’s how you can get help now:
Online or Phone Therapy
For individuals around the country or those wanting help from the comfort of your own home, we offer therapy via Facetime, Skype or phone.
In Person Treatment
We have professionals available 7 days a week. Our offices are conveniently located in the Boca/Delray area.
Intensive Outpatient Programs
For those who prefer a more short-term approach we offer intensive sessions for individuals or groups. Perfect for those with a less flexible work schedule.
When it comes to anxiety or mood disorders we specialize in treating the whole person, not just your symptoms. In all of our programs your comfort, privacy and long-term success are paramount.
Looking for immediate help?
Contact Us Today for a Confidential Assessment.
Call 561-496-1094 or