Why Do People Fear Public Speaking?

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld once said that people are more afraid of public speaking than dying. Fear of embarrassment and failure while performing a speech in front of others is very common.

Embarrassment

• The speaker worries that he will be mocked or laughed at.

Failure

• The speaker fears that the speech will not be up to the standards of the audience, or even her own.

Physical Features

• The speaker worries that people will be disgusted by his physical appearance.

Not Properly Prepared

• The speaker worries that she didn't prepare enough for the presentation.

Being Judged

• The speaker may fear that the audience will not agree with what he says, and perhaps that their opinion of him will change.

Comparison

• The speaker may fear that the speech won't be as good as someone else's.