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By Leo A. Kominek, Ph.D. next page
Janet feels much more than nervous or apprehensive about the possibility of being required to give a talk or presentation. She is terrified. She is afraid that she will panic, lose control, and publicly humiliate herself if she were to speak in a group. Janet has social phobia.
Janet works in the research division of a large pharmaceutical company and knows that for someone in her position, public speaking will someday be required to advance in her field.
She wants to be promoted and deserves to advance in the company. However, she dreads the day she might be offered that promotion, because then she would be forced to speak at meetings and in conferences. Her thoughts are fixated on one idea, "I know I couldn't do it."
The first time she felt panic at public speaking was in college. She was giving a required presentation in class and all of a sudden she broke out in a cold sweat, her heart was pounding and her whole body felt shaky. It happened quickly and passed quickly. However, she was very uneasy about the remainder of her presentation and any future presentations she might have to give.
After graduation and entering the work force she had to present some research data in front of her colleagues. She was apprehensive to start but felt in control. Halfway through her opening remarks the terrifying sensations returned: the tremors, the sweats, and the pounding heart. Her throat tightened and she felt as if she could not get the words out.
The words did come out but Janet felt as if she was hanging onto a high brick wall by her fingernails. The more she focused on not losing control of herself, the more overwhelmed she felt with a sense of impending doom.
She was sure that everyone in the room noticed what was happening to her. They could see her shaky hands, the beads of sweat and her blushing face. They certainly were aware of the stammering and trembling in her voice. She finished her talk but knew that she would never do that again even if it meant never being promoted.
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