Beating Speaking Anxiety: 4. I'm scared of speaking in front of people

Public speaking anxiety in a second language often stems from the feeling of being "on stage," where learners face intense self-evaluation and the fear of being judged by others. This performance-like pressure can trigger physical symptoms such as hyperventilation, trembling, and headaches, as experienced by learners like Elisa during research presentations. Professor Regina Kaplan Rakowski highlights how virtual reality technology mitigates these fears by providing "safe spaces" through avatars or controlled exposure to simulated audiences. Beyond high-tech solutions, practical strategies for building confidence include practicing in front of a mirror to observe pronunciation, using voice messages to review speech, and conducting phone conversations while walking to provide a helpful distraction. Ultimately, overcoming the "fight or flight" response requires consistent practice and finding environments—whether digital or physical—that lower the stakes of communication.