The fear of public speaking is called glossophobia (from the Geek γλῶσσα glōssa, meaning tongue, and φόβος phobos, fear or dread). It is more commonly known as stage fright.

It is believed to be the single most common phobia, affecting as much as 75% of all people. When ranked among fears, it generally is the number one fear, even surpassing fear of death. Glossophobia is considered a social phobia and may be linked to, or sometimes precede, a more severe anxiety disorder. Several talented and successful musicians have the fear of publicly performing, including Barbra Streisand and Dusty Springfield. Joey Jordison of Slipknot, on the Disasterpieces DVD, can be seen vomiting backstage, presumably as a result of stage fright.

Symptoms include:

• intense anxiety prior to, or simply at the thought of having to verbally communicate with any group,
• avoidance of events which focus the group's attention on individuals in attendance,
• physical distress, nausea, or feelings of panic in such circumstances.

Many people report stress-induced speech disorders which are only present during public speech. Some glossophobics have been able to dance or perform in public as long as they do not have to speak, or even speak or sing as long as they cannot see the audience.

The root cause of glossophobia, although occasionally unknown, can usually be attributed to either:

• a single or multiple traumatic incidents, usually experienced personally but sometimes associated with someone who has,

or

• a slow build-up from avoiding public speaking over time until it builds into a more severe form of glossophobia.

Many glossophobics also suffer from a simultaneous problems such as panic disorder, depression or substance abuse. Some people with social phobia become so anxious they develop panic disorder.

Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear (panic attacks) which are often accompanied by chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness or abdominal distress.

Panic attacks can accompany social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder or major depression. However, they sometimes affect otherwise healthy individuals.

It is not unusual for a person with panic disorder to develop phobias about certain places or situations where panic attacks have occurred, such as in supermarkets or other everyday situations. As the frequency of panic attacks increases, the person often begins to avoid situations where they fear another attack may occur or where help would not be immediately available. This avoidance may eventually develop into agoraphobia, an inability to go beyond known and safe surroundings because of intense fear and anxiety.