Public Speaking Fears and Anxiety
Worried about getting up in front of a group and talking? Feeling anxious about speaking at a conference, a wedding, or a meeting? If so, you’re not alone — by some estimates, roughly 75% of people experience some fear of public speaking.
In psychology, this is sometimes called glossophobia, or speech anxiety. Whatever you call it, it’s common — and there are practical, well-supported ways to work with it.
Public speaking fear is not weakness. It’s often a learned stress response — and one that can be worked with using practical tools, repetition, and support.
Virtual Sessions Available
Whether you prefer meeting in person or online, virtual therapy through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform is available for this work — a practical option if your schedule or location makes in-person visits difficult.
Why Public Speaking Can Feel So Stressful
Glossophobia can strike anyone, regardless of how much experience they’ve had speaking in front of others — from actors who perform for a living to business executives who present as part of their job. Nobody knows for certain why some people struggle with it more than others; some researchers point to a past bad experience, others to an underlying fear of being caught unprepared.
What we do know is that it’s extremely common, and that it responds well to practical, structured support.
Common Public Speaking Fear Symptoms
• Intense anxiety in the run-up period before speaking to a group
• Dry mouth or stiff muscles while speaking
• Stress and worry that shows up just from thinking about it
• Avoiding situations where you might get “put on the spot”
• A sense of panic during the event or the lead-up to it
• Nausea, sweating, or a racing heart in the moments before presenting
Situations Where This Fear May Show Up
Public speaking fear doesn’t just show up on a literal stage. Common settings include:
• Job interviews
• Workplace meetings and presentations
• Wedding speeches or toasts
• Academic presentations
• Conferences and networking events
How CBT Can Help
Cognitive behavioral therapy works by helping you identify and dispute the irrational, negative thoughts that fuel speaking anxiety — the automatic “I’m going to mess this up” thinking that often shows up long before you’re anywhere near a podium. Many people find that as those thought patterns shift, the physical anxiety response follows.
How Mindfulness and Grounding Can Help
Alongside CBT, mindfulness and grounding techniques can help you stay present instead of spiraling into anticipatory anxiety. Breathing techniques in particular are often the fastest tool for calming a racing heart rate in the moments right before you speak.
Confidence-building work and exposure-style practice — gradually getting more comfortable with the situations that trigger the fear — round out this part of the process.
Where Hypnosis May Fit
Hypnosis isn’t the main event here — it’s a supportive tool, not a standalone fix. Some research suggests hypnosis-informed techniques can support relaxation and mental rehearsal when combined with an approach like CBT.
In practice, that might look like guided visualization — mentally rehearsing a calm, successful presentation — or learning a self-hypnosis technique you can call on in the moments before you speak. It’s worth being clear: hypnosis alone isn’t a cure, and it works best as one part of a broader plan.
If you’d like the fuller picture of how hypnosis works, visit the hypnosis FAQ page.
What Sessions Are Like
If we’re working on public speaking fears together, sessions typically focus on interrupting automatic negative thoughts, reducing stress, building confidence, and practicing visualization — all shaped around your specific goals.
Because everyone learns and adjusts at a different pace, session length and pacing are things we figure out together as we go, based on how you’re responding.
About Dr. John’s Background
I hold a PhD in psychology and am a licensed psychotherapist, as well as a Board-Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. You can learn more on my bio page.
Chicago Office and Virtual Options
My office is in the Lakeview/Uptown area of Chicago, near the CTA’s Red Line, and not far from Wrigley Field. Street parking is usually available during the day, and paid parking is available in the building. Sessions are by appointment only — no walk-ins.
For those who prefer or need it, virtual sessions through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform are also available — see the callout above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is public speaking fear common?
Very. Estimates suggest roughly 75% of people experience some level of anxiety around public speaking — you’re in good company.
Is this the same as social anxiety?
They can overlap, but they’re not necessarily the same thing. Public speaking fear is often more situational — tied specifically to performance settings — while social anxiety tends to be broader. Many people find it’s worth exploring the distinction together.
Can CBT help with public speaking fears?
Many people find CBT helpful for identifying and shifting the negative thought patterns that drive speaking anxiety. It’s one of the main tools I use for this work.
Where does hypnosis fit?
Hypnosis can support relaxation and mental rehearsal when used alongside CBT and other tools. It’s not positioned as a cure on its own, and works best as part of a broader plan.
Do I have to be a professional speaker to get help?
Not at all. Most people I work with aren’t professional speakers — they’re dealing with an interview, a work presentation, a wedding toast, or a class assignment. This work is for anyone who feels stuck around speaking in front of others.
Can virtual sessions help with public speaking fears?
Yes. Virtual sessions through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform can support this same work — many people find it just as effective as meeting in person.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies by person. Some people find a handful of sessions helpful; others benefit from a longer series. We’ll figure out the right pace together based on how you’re progressing.
How do I request an appointment?
Use the confidential contact form, and we’ll go from there.
Important Note
This page addresses public speaking fears specifically and is not intended as treatment for broader anxiety disorders, trauma, or crisis situations. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or having thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
For broader anxiety support, visit the stress and anxiety support page or the counseling services hub. For goal-focused support outside of clinical treatment, see men’s life coaching.
