#BLOGPHOBIA 2
Written by Delta Moxie, ARWB Blogger of the Month October 2013

It’s Kelly Jo, ARWB Miss October, from Delta Moxie and I’m sharing my thoughts in a series of posts I’ve titled #BLOGPHOBIA as I serve out my term as Arkansas Women Blogger’s Miss October. Part of my goal is to provide information about fears and phobias and at the same time share my perspective.

In my twenties, I had a job where I spoke frequently on the radio, on television and in front of live audiences. I was more nervous in front of live audiences and it was obvious. My palms and feet would be wet with sweat, my hands, eyelids and lips trembled, my mind wondered, and above all, my voice would shake and crack.

The fear of public speaking is called glossophobia.

I recognized I had a fear and it was affecting my performance. I would have speeches perfectly typed all in upper case, be prepared and still would find myself skipping parts of my prepared presentation so I could escape the podium pronto. I wouldn’t volunteer for speaking engagements, but the opportunities were part of my job description. Specifically, I didn’t want to avoid public speaking because I believed I had something important to say.

I’ve never told anyone what I’m about to share but I’m sharing it because it may help someone. During my anxiety driven glossophobia, I scheduled an appointment with a psychiatrist. He listened to my experiences and prescribed behavioral strategies as well as a beta blocker (it’s a blood pressure medication that has been shown off-label to help people with stage fright) to help with the symptoms I described. I was instructed to take the pill 30 minutes before I had to address an audience. The medication worked to keep my autonomic responses in better control and I used it several times as a tool to train my body and emotions to react differently. Preparation, affirmations, and breathing exercises were also tools I used.

My current job doesn’t require me to speak to large groups (small groups are no problem) as often, but there are times when I speak up in a large group and I recognize a glimpse of those old feelings. However, as I’ve aged and gained more experience, my confidence has increased.

I can’t recall who it was that spoke at Arkansas Women Bloggers Unplugged recently, but she came off stage and told me “I imagined you and this whole group naked.” She made me laugh. I would have never imagined her having a fear of public speaking, she was flawless and provided inspiring words and wisdom. It’s a sense of comfort to know I’m not alone.

As we named and discussed real fears and phobias in the first #BLOGPHOBIA installment, let’s delve into the next step of what’s next once a phobia is recognized.

According to NAMI, ask yourself these questions when you recognize a fear:

• Is this fear disabling?
• Do you recognize that your fear is excessive and unreasonable?
• Do you avoid particular situations and places because of your phobia?
• Does it interfere with your normal routine or cause distress?
• Have you experienced this phobia or fear for six months?

Do you already have a checklist of questions you ask yourself when a fear appears? How do you approach a fear?

Share your #BLOGPHOBIA either in the comments or submit a post to Julie for Arkansas Women Bloggers.

Who was that speaker that said they pictured us naked? Too funny. Was it Heather or Jacqueline?