<P> During the phobic response, adrenaline secretion produces a wide array of symptoms which enhances the "fight or flight" response . As Garcia - Lopez (2013) has noted, symptoms can include acute hearing, increased heart rate and blood pressure, dilated pupils, increased perspiration and oxygen intake, stiffening of neck / upper back muscles, and dry mouth . Uncontrollable shaking is also common and often occurs prior to the phobia - eliciting stimulus . Symptoms may sometimes be alleviated or mitigated by medications such as beta - blockers . </P> <P> Verbal symptoms of the fight or flight response include (but are not limited to) a tense or quivering voice, and vocalized pauses (which tend to comfort anxious speakers). One form of speech anxiety is dysfunctional speech anxiety in which the intensity of the fight - or - flight response prevents an individual from performing effectively . </P> <P> Many people report stress - fueled speech disorders which are only present during public speech . Some individuals with glossophobia have been able to dance, perform in public, or even to speak (such as in a play), or sing if they cannot see the audience, or if they feel that they are presenting a character or stage persona other than themselves . Being able to blend in a group (as in a choir or band) has been reported to also alleviate some anxiety caused by glossophobia . </P> <P> It has been estimated that 75% of all people experience some degree of anxiety / nervousness when it comes to public speaking . If untreated, public speaking anxiety can lead to serious detrimental effects on one's quality of life, career goals and other areas . For example, educational goals requiring public speaking might be left unaccomplished . However, not all persons with public speaking anxiety are necessarily unable to achieve work goals, though this disorder becomes problematic when it prevents an individual from attaining or pursuing a goal they might otherwise have--were it not for their anxiety . </P>

Where does the fear of public speaking come from