For some people, standing up and speaking in front of a group comes naturally. For others, it can feel utterly terrifying. If your stomach turns at the thought of a work presentation, a best man’s speech or even introducing yourself on a Zoom call, you’re certainly not alone.
Public speaking anxiety, also known as glossophobia, is surprisingly common. In fact, it’s often ranked as one of the most widespread social fears. More so than heights, flying or even spiders. The good news is, like all fears, it doesn’t have to be permanent.
Over the years I’ve worked with many clients who came to me looking for help with this very issue. In most cases, hypnotherapy offered them a way forward. Not by magically turning them into extroverts, but by helping them feel calmer, more present and more confident in themselves.
What’s actually happening when we feel anxious about speaking?
Anxiety is your body’s way of saying “I’m not safe”. It triggers the fight-or-flight response. Heart racing, dry mouth, shaky hands, blank mind. From an evolutionary point of view it’s quite clever. Our brain is trying to protect us from perceived danger.
In the case of public speaking, though, the danger is imagined. No one is attacking us. But the fear of being judged, criticised or embarrassed is powerful enough to trigger the same reaction in the body. And once your nervous system is in that state, it becomes very difficult to speak clearly or think straight. It’s not about willpower. It’s simply how we’re wired.
How can hypnotherapy help?
Hypnotherapy helps by working with the subconscious part of the mind, where our automatic responses live. These responses are often shaped by earlier experiences. Being laughed at in school, freezing up in a meeting, being told we were too quiet or awkward.
In a session we gently guide the mind into a deeply relaxed state. A bit like that hazy space between being awake and asleep. You’re not unconscious. You’re aware of what’s happening, but more inwardly focused. And in that state, the mind is often more open to suggestion and reflection.
From there we can start to look at some of the beliefs that might be fuelling the anxiety.
Things like:
“I’m going to mess this up”
“People are judging me”
“I’m not good enough”
The aim isn’t to erase these thoughts. But we can start to introduce more balanced alternatives. We reinforce them through imagery, repetition and a sense of calm. Over time this can help shift how the mind and body respond in those high-pressure moments.
What does the research say?
There is growing evidence to support the use of hypnotherapy for anxiety-related issues. A 2019 review in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that hypnosis can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety across a wide range of people and situations.¹
For public speaking in particular, there have also been smaller studies showing promising results. In one, participants had just a few hypnotherapy sessions before giving a presentation. They showed fewer signs of physical stress and said they felt more confident than expected.²
Of course, results will vary from person to person. Hypnotherapy is not a silver bullet. But for many people it can be a gentle and effective part of the solution.
Who is it for?
I’ve worked with all sorts. Teachers, musicians, senior executives, university students, best men and maids of honour. Some were preparing for one big event. Others had lived with this fear for years and found it was holding them back in life.
Whether it’s a one-off situation or something more long-standing, hypnotherapy may help you find a way through. You don’t need to become someone you’re not. You don’t need to love being the centre of attention. But you can feel more comfortable in your own skin. And sometimes, that’s all it takes to speak up and be heard.
FAQs
Can hypnotherapy make me a better public speaker?
It won’t give you a new personality, but it can help reduce the anxiety that gets in your way. That means you may feel more able to speak clearly, stay present and be yourself.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies. Some people notice a shift in one or two sessions. Others may take longer, especially if the fear has been there a long time. We can usually tell quite quickly what approach is needed.
Will I be unconscious or under someone’s control?
No. You stay in control the whole time. Most people find it relaxing and even enjoyable. Like being guided through a calm daydream.
Can hypnotherapy help with other social anxieties too?
Yes. It’s often used for things like interview nerves, fear of confrontation, performance anxiety and dating confidence.