There are things in this world that are really frightening. And almost every person has his or her own specific fears. There are people who are very afraid of spiders, insects, and other little critters. The mere sight of one will have them screaming and jumping with obvious fright. Some people are afraid of heights. Well, everyone would be scared enough if asked to walk on a narrow ledge several stories high, yet people with aerophobia find it hard even looking out through a window. Seeing the ground makes them quiver and tremble. Arachnophobia or aerophobia, are fears which are quite obvious. But some fears just seem bizarre strange, like those who fear the unknown, or those with public speaking phobia.
Public speaking phobia, technically known as glossophobia, is the fear of speaking in public, be it in front of an audience, a crowd. Psychologists and psychiatrists treat public speaking phobia as a form of illness, with symptoms such as intense anxiety at the mere thought of speaking with a group, avoiding events that involve public speaking, feeling of nausea and physical distress during public speaking events, and stage fright. Individuals with public speaking phobia differ from those who are extremely shy. Some glossophobics are able to dance, perform in front of a crowd, as contrast to the shy who would definitely avoid those circumstances. It is the act of public speaking, which gives them great fear and dread.