Dr's Casebook column by Dr Keith Souter: Don't let a phobia rule your life
Over ten per cent of adults have a phobia of something. agoraphobia, for example is a fear of open spaces that makes one want to avoid going out. claustrophobia is the opposite, a fear of enclosed spaces, and coulrophobia is a specific fear of clowns.
Glossophobia or fear of public speaking is the most common social phobia. It affects slightly more than 20 per cent of people in an acute form, and in a milder form it probably affects another 30 per cent of people. That means that more than half of the population do not like to be in the limelight. Students may dread presentations, and older adults can quake at the mere thought of having to propose a toast or give a speech at a wedding or party. When asked what worries them, people describe having a fear of seizing up or of performing so badly that everyone will laugh at them. They dread the feeling of humiliation that they think will be inevitable.
There are three things that are worth trying if you have an aversion to public speaking. Firstly, give yourself some slack. If you have to give a presentation, a lecture or a speech, simply tell yourself that you do not have to be word perfect. You do not have to cover every possible detail and you do not have to be as witty as a comedian or as knowledgeable as a professor.
Secondly, shift your focus. Instead of thinking that everyone is going to be grading how well you perform, understand that they are more concerned about the message you are giving. Think of yourself as a messenger rather than a main character.
Lastly, think like an actor. Develop in your mind the role of a great speaker. Build up an image of the character of your confident imaginary speaker and if needs be wear a particular piece of clothing, or use a prop that helps you get into the role. As magic is a hobby of mine I always start a talk or presentation with a magic trick, which break the ice and gets me relaxed enough to give my talk.
While phobias can be hard to cope with in life they are treatable with talking therapy or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or hypnosis. If you suspect that you have one you can see your GP, or you can refer yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service without a referral from a GP. There is no need to go on suffering