# What is glossophobia? Definition of fear of public speaking

Glossophobia is the term for fear of public speaking. It covers anything from strong nerves before a presentation to anxiety that makes someone avoid speaking in front of others altogether. This page is general information, not a diagnosis: if the fear is severe or affects your work or daily life, a doctor or mental health professional can help.

By the Speaking Coach team at Sodhera Intelligence. Updated 2026-10-22. Source: https://www.orecci.com/speaking-coach/glossary/glossophobia/

## Where the word comes from

It comes from two Greek words: *glōssa*, tongue, and *phobos*, fear. It's said GLOSS-oh-FOH-bee-uh. In everyday speech, most people just say "fear of public speaking" or "stage fright".

## Common signs

| When | Signs people often describe |
| --- | --- |
| Days before | Dread, putting off preparation, trying to swap out of the talk |
| Just before | Racing heart, a dry mouth, needing the toilet, cold hands |
| During | A [shaky voice](/speaking-coach/guides/how-to-stop-voice-shaking/), talking too fast, the [mind going blank](/speaking-coach/guides/mind-goes-blank-while-speaking/), avoiding eye contact |
| After | Replaying every mistake, feeling sure it went worse than it did |

Many of these are the body's normal stress response. On their own they don't mean anything is wrong.

## Nerves, stage fright and glossophobia

| Term | Usually means |
| --- | --- |
| Nerves | Normal tension before speaking that often fades once you start |
| [Stage fright](/speaking-coach/glossary/stage-fright/) | Fear in the moment of performing: speaking, acting, playing music |
| Glossophobia | Fear of public speaking specifically, often used when it's strong or leads to avoidance |

The lines between them are loose; people use them interchangeably.

## Where to read more

Practical steps for preparing, calming your body before a talk, and building up from small audiences are in [how to overcome fear of public speaking](/speaking-coach/guides/public-speaking-anxiety/). If the fear is intense, lasts a long time or makes you turn down work or study, speak to a doctor or a mental health professional.

## Questions people ask

### Is glossophobia a mental disorder?

It's an informal name, not a diagnosis. When the fear is severe, it can be part of an anxiety problem that a professional can assess.

### Is glossophobia common?

Yes, some nervousness about speaking in public is very common. Feeling it doesn't mean you can't become a good speaker.

### Can glossophobia be treated?

Professionals offer help for severe cases. For everyday nerves, regular low-stakes practice is what many people find helps most.

### What's the difference between glossophobia and shyness?

Shyness is general unease around people. Glossophobia is tied to speaking in front of a group, and confident, outgoing people can have it too.

---
Speaking Coach on the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6767124039
Speaking Coach on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sodhera.speakingcoach