August 14, 2025
5 Reasons Why Fear of Public Speaking Exists — and How to Overcome It
Fear of public speaking — also known as glossophobia — is one of the most common professional challenges worldwide. Research suggests that up to 77% of people experience some level of speech anxiety when facing an audience (National Institute of Mental Health).
Fear of public speaking, also known as glossophobia, is one of the most common professional challenges in the world. Research suggests that up to 77% of people experience some level of speech anxiety when facing an audience (National Institute of Mental Health).
For leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs, this fear is more than an uncomfortable moment on stage. It can influence decision-making, shape credibility, affect leadership presence, and limit career growth.
To overcome it, we first need to understand why fear of public speaking exists and what actually helps move past it.
Below are five evidence-based reasons behind public speaking anxiety, along with practical ways to start overcoming it.
5 public speaking fears and how to overcome
After having worked with speakers across the globe, here’s what we have noticed:
1. Your Brain Interprets Public Speaking as a Survival Threat
From an evolutionary perspective, being judged by a group once carried life-or-death consequences. In early human societies, rejection from the tribe meant loss of safety, resources, and belonging.
Today, standing in front of a boardroom, leadership team, or conference audience can trigger the same fight-or-flight response.
That’s why symptoms like:
Rapid heartbeat
Sweaty palms
Shallow breathing
Mental blanks
…aren’t personal weaknesses. They’re your nervous system doing its ancient job.
How to overcome it
Instead of trying to eliminate nerves, learn to regulate your physiological response:
Controlled breathing techniques
Grounding before you speak
Reframing nerves as energy, not danger
When the body calms, the mind follows.
2. Fear of Judgment and Negative Evaluation
Psychologists refer to this as evaluation apprehension - the fear that others are judging your performance.
This fear intensifies in:
Boardroom presentations
Investor pitches
Keynotes and panels
High-visibility leadership moments
The perceived stakes feel enormous, making every pause or mistake seem amplified.
How to Overcome It
Confidence doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from clarity and intention.
Shift focus from “How am I doing?” to “What does the audience need?”
Build confidence in your message, not just your delivery
Develop presence through repetition and feedback
When your attention moves outward, self-consciousness loses its grip.
3. Past Experiences Create Lasting Psychological Triggers
A single negative experience - forgetting an opening line, stumbling mid-sentence, or facing a disengaged audience, can create a powerful mental association between public speaking and discomfort.
Over time, even anticipating speaking can trigger anxiety.
This is why accomplished professionals often experience fear of public speaking despite years of expertise.
How to Overcome It
Breaking this cycle requires:
Reframing past experiences objectively
Practising in controlled, supportive environments
Gradual exposure rather than avoidance
With the right structure, the brain learns that speaking is safe, not threatening.
4. We Dramatically Overestimate the Risk
The human brain is prone to catastrophic thinking. Many professionals approach public speaking as if one imperfect moment could derail their reputation or career.
In reality:
Audiences are far more forgiving than we assume
Most people are focused on the message, not minor delivery flaws
Mistakes are rarely remembered; insights are
How to Overcome It
Reframe public speaking as connection, not performance.
Aim for clarity over polish
Think conversation, not judgment
Focus on impact, not impression
When the goal shifts from “performing well” to “serving the audience,” anxiety reduces dramatically.
5. Lack of Preparedness or the Feeling of It
Confidence grows with preparation, but perceived unpreparedness can be just as damaging as actual lack of preparation.
Even senior leaders can experience imposter syndrome, doubting their readiness despite deep expertise.
How to Overcome It
True preparedness goes beyond knowing your material:
Structured rehearsal, not memorisation
Audience-specific tailoring
Feedback from experienced coaches
Practising transitions and key moments
When preparation meets structure, confidence becomes repeatable.
Moving From Fear to Influence
Fear of public speaking is not a flaw. It’s a deeply human response shaped by biology, psychology, and experience.
The good news? It’s also highly trainable.
With the right coaching, frameworks, and feedback, stage fright can evolve into:
Presence
Persuasion
Authority
Impact
Public speaking is not about eliminating fear. It’s about learning to lead with it and beyond it.
Conclusion - Build Confidence Through Expert Coaching
Saana Azzam’s masterclasses and 1:1 coaching blend performance psychology with proven communication strategies, helping leaders speak with clarity, confidence, and authority.
Whether you’re preparing for:
Boardroom presentations
High-stakes pitches
Keynotes or panels
Leadership communication moments
The right guidance can help you step on stage and truly own it.
Ready to overcome fear of public speaking and speak with confidence?
Explore personalised coaching and training designed for leaders who want to influence, not just present.
📩 info@mena-speakers.com
📞 +971 54 995 4166
