Fear of public speaking and its signs <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Glossophobia, or fear of public speaking, is a social anxiety disorder, and affects approximately 75% of the population<\/a>. More precisely, it means that over 200 million people are anxious about talking to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Or, as Mark Twain said: \u201cThere are two types of speakers: Those who get nervous and those who are liars.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The essence of this phobia is the fear of judgment, negative evaluation, or rejection by others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some signs of glossophobia<\/a> may include dry mouth, perspiration, increased heart rate and blood pressure, blushing, trembling voice, and even extreme fear and panic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fear of public speaking can appear regardless of the environment or circumstances \u2014 you can face it if you speak to a live audience in a venue and if you talk to the camera in an online meeting. However, fear of speaking in a remote environment may have slightly different roots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Peter Murphy Lewis<\/a>, Chief Marketing Officer at Strategic Pete, former national TV host and communications strategist, remote speaking anxiety is routed in: <\/p>\n\n\n\n He also lists Zoom fatigue<\/a> as a trigger for remote speaking anxiety:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEven extroverts tune out when they’ve already been on six calls.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Further reading<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Is your calendar packed with virtual meetings? Read how to better organize workdays:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A global keynote speaker and an instructor for Stanford Continuing Studies and LinkedIn Learning, Lorraine K. Lee<\/a>, says one of the biggest causes of fear of public speaking is the \u2018spotlight effect\u2019:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA feeling that gets magnified on video calls when there\u2019s an increased focus on one\u2019s image in the video feed. It\u2019s even worse when we have a self-view and are constantly looking at ourselves.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n \n Level up team communication with Pumble<\/p>\n \n Send messages, post updates on channels, and organize video calls to quickly and easily coordinate your team.<\/p>\n \n When remote speaking anxiety steps in, \u201cpeople freeze up, their voice flattens, or they start overexplaining to prevent dead air\u201d<\/em>, says Lewis. \u201cAnd the most common? People fall back on reading from slides instead of actually connecting.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily, there is a solution. Benjamin Franklin summed it up many years ago:<\/p>\n\n\n\n “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” <\/em>– Benjamin Franklin<\/p>\n\n\n\n Preparation is the key to successfully delivering a speech or presentation. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, there are many different preparation tactics, but to make it easy for you, we\u2019ve split them in 3 categories: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you start preparations, collect all the important information about the meeting. If you\u2019re not a meeting organizer, ask for: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Gather as much information as possible so you can start your preparations on time and reduce stress and anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, you can start preparing your materials. When creating a PPT, try using templates, and think about branding, aesthetics and consistency. Be mindful of the text length \u2014 don\u2019t put too much text on a slide. The human brain struggles to read and listen simultaneously. Consider using the \u20185-5-5\u2019 rule, which means no more than: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lewis also suggests having one slide for at least 2 minutes of talking time.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Further reading<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you need extra tips on how to prepare an effective presentation? We\u2019ve got you covered: <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t have to prepare a presentation, you should still write down key messages \u2014 short sentences to structure your thoughts and remember what you want to emphasize. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, you might also want to prepare a Q&A document: think of potential questions the participants might ask and write down answers. You can also ask your colleagues to brainstorm with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now you know what you want to say, focus on how you want to say it. We asked experts to share their best strategies for speech delivery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lee advises to know your material well and then practice. She advises to dedicate 1 hour of practice for every minute of the presentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, instead of focusing on yourself, she recommends concentrating on how your message helps the audience. Then, \u201cit becomes less about others being critical of you and more about how you\u2019re serving and helping others.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lewis suggests creating \u201ca brief opener that buys attention in 10 seconds. Also, [prepare] one anchor story that connects a message to memory.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Anchors quickly connect the audience with key parts of your stories and make presentations more memorable. Anchors can be in a form of anecdote, analogy, activity, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clinical & Forensic Psychologist of Medical Anti-Aging, Dr. Ann Monis<\/a>, explains that speaking on video \u201ctriggers the amygdala, the fear center of the brain, which releases cortisol. This happens because the brain treats video calls like being on stage, where every movement is visible.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n To counter this, she suggests gradual exposure training, also known as desensitization:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cStart by recording short videos of yourself speaking and watch them repeatedly. The first few times, your brain will react with discomfort. Do not worry here because repeated exposure lowers amygdala activation and reduces anxiety.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n In addition to calming the amygdala, Lewis says recordings will help you analyze your performance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAdjust your pacing, your tone, your posture. Record your full talk in the actual software (Zoom, Teams, etc.). Play it back without watching yourself. Just listen like a podcast. If you\u2019re boring to yourself, you\u2019ll be boring to others. Revise accordingly.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Moreover, recordings will help you evaluate and improve your body language<\/a>, such as facial expressions, gaze, gestures, and self-representation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During video calls, the prefrontal cortex, the brain area responsible for speech and decision-making, becomes overwhelmed. It processes many occurrences simultaneously, like facial expressions, background distractions, and the lag in conversation, explains Dr. Monis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To prevent this, she suggests doing structured vocal priming before speaking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRead a passage out loud with clear enunciation for two minutes before your call. This activates Broca\u2019s area, the brain\u2019s speech coordination center, making verbal delivery smoother.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n During the call, Dr. Monis advises to \u201csoften your focus instead of forcing eye contact with the camera. This reduces stress-related ocular micro-tremors, which have been linked to speech hesitations and mental fatigue.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Further reading<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you feel like you\u2019re mentally drained? Read how to manage mental exhaustion:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou lose 30-50% of your natural presence on camera\u201d,<\/em> says Lewis. Natural presence is the impression that others have of you, when you’re communicating with them. Therefore, \u201cyou need to bring 1.5x your natural energy, consciously modulate vocal tone, and smile 15% more than what comes naturally. It carries warmth across the screen.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n And, even if you start losing track of what you\u2019re saying, don\u2019t be afraid to pause and take back control over your thoughts. Lewis recommends building a 5-second pause habit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cInhale, exhale, reassert your main point. You don’t need to muscle through awkwardness. You need to regain control of the frame.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Lee also suggests breathing and relaxation techniques to calm nerves and focus before speech: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTry <\/em>4-7-8 breathing<\/em><\/a> to help signal to your parasympathetic nervous system that you are safe.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Moreover, always have a glass of water nearby, as your mouth might get dry (and it is an elegant way to take a break and remember what goes next). <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you implemented all these strategies and still feel uncomfortable, ask your colleagues to help you stage a dress rehearsal. Create a meeting simulation and present it to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This way, you will reduce stage fright, exercise with a live audience, and see their reactions to the opener, anchor stories, slides, and overall performance. It is a chance to gather valuable feedback for further improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good communication is never perfect, nor should it be! Don\u2019t reach out for perfection. Aim for authenticity and confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As Sara Blakely, founder of shapewear brand Spanx, stated for Forbes<\/a>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRemember, people aren\u2019t there to judge you; they\u2019re there to learn.\u201d<\/em> – Sara Blakely<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, you have prepared all the materials and practiced the delivery. Now it\u2019s time for a technical checkup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remove the clutter from your desk and minimize any potential distractions. Keep only essentials: preparation materials, post-it notes with key messages, and a glass of water for refreshment, for example. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, remember to close all unnecessary tabs and programs on your PC and silence your phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If working from home, consider creating a quiet workspace without background noise. If possible, ask someone to take care of your children or pets during the meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ensure your microphone and camera work properly, and your internet connection is as stable as possible. Furthermore, remember to set proper camera background to look professional. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, Lee advises using the camera strategically: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTurn off self-view if possible. Practice making eye contact with the audience and make sure you feel comfortable setting up your presentation in a virtual environment.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n As an etiquette consultant, speech pathologist, and TV reporter, Jo Hayes<\/a>, offers only one piece of advice: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cJust do it. And keep on doing it.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n As Hayes says, the more we expose ourselves to something that terrifies us, the more comfortable we become with it. <\/p>\n\n\n \n Level up team communication with Pumble<\/p>\n \n Send messages, post updates on channels, and organize video calls to quickly and easily coordinate your team.<\/p>\n \n Fear of public speaking, both on-site and online, is the most common phobia. However, thorough preparation and experience will help you overcome it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, prepare materials on time, practice the delivery, and ensure your equipment works properly. Then, as Hayes says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEmbrace the pain. Dive into the difficulty, challenge, discomfort, or fear factor. I promise you, it gets much less scary the more you do it.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n And remember, don\u2019t expect perfection! Good luck in your next public speaking session!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Good preparation and exposure will help you reduce your fear of public speaking. Read expert tips on how to manage the most common phobia.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":3298,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3296","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-remote-hybrid-work-culture"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhat causes remote speaking anxiety?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n\n\n\nHow to ace a speech in remote settings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Preparation of materials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Delivery preparation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#1 Practice and focus on the message<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
#2 Record yourself<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n#3 Reduce cognitive overload to improve speech clarity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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#4 Design for energy loss and practice your “reset muscle”<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n#5 Test your presentation or speech<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
#6 Accept imperfection<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Technical preparation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#1 Clear your working environment <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
#2 Check your equipment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n#3 Just do it<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n\n\n\nBottom line: prepare and gather experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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