Glossophobia – Social Conditioning

We are taught as little children to fear speaking in public.

Glossophobia is the fear of speaking in public. 

Humans are social beings who place enormous value upon what they think other people think about them.  Human babies immediately begin to assess social situations.

Children are taught to avoid social rejection.  What will your parents say?  What will your mother think?  What will your dad think? What will your teacher think?  What do your friends feel?

We are conditioned early in life to value the opinions of others and avoid any form social rejection. Many children are taught to fear the opinions of others especially those in positions of authority.  There is a difference between respect and fear.

If we fear the opinion of one person then there can be nothing worse than a room full of people who might reject us in a public speaking situation.  They might even laugh at me or make fun of me.     

For many people, the thought of this is worse than death.  Numerous statistical studies support this observation.

Glossophobia can be a high cost for any society.  The fear of speaking in public can translate into a fear of failure and risk avoidance.  Innovation, creativity and personal growth require risk taking and willingness to accept failure.

It’s okay to wonder what other people may think but never at the cost of our personal growth.    

- Posted by Andy Paultanis