What Is the Rank of Public Speaking Fear Among Other Fears?
Updated August 26, 2026
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Up to 75 percent of people rank public speaking fear as their greatest fear, often placing it higher than the fear of death. This makes public speaking fear rank as the number one phobia worldwide for many. On this page, you will learn how common this fear is compared to others, why it ranks so high, and practical tips to build your confidence.
Many sources identify public speaking fear, also known as glossophobia, as the top fear globally. For instance, as of 2025, the fear of public speaking is ranked as the world's number one phobia. Average adults also rank public speaking as their number one fear, and it is considered the world's most common fear, surpassing death, spiders, and heights. In 2015, Chapman University found public speaking fear was the top personal phobia, and multiple studies in 2021 indicated it as the number one fear.
Historically, this fear has held a prominent position. A 1973 survey by Bruskin Associates, repeated in 1977, showed public speaking fear ranked higher than the fear of death. The Book of Lists in 1977 identified it as the top among 14 worst human fears. While it consistently ranks among the top 5 largest human fears, some rankings place public speaking as the second most prevalent fear, behind the fear of death, and it is the second most searched fear on the internet, after the fear of flying.
Understanding Public Speaking Fear and Glossophobia
Glossophobia is defined as the fear of public speaking. This term specifically names the anxiety associated with speaking in front of an audience. Glossophobia is public speaking fear, recognized as one of the most common fears. You might think only beginners struggle with this, but even top professional public speakers can experience glossophobia. This shows that the fear is not limited to those new to the stage.
How Common Is the Fear of Public Speaking Compared to Other Fears?
Public speaking fear is the number one most common fear worldwide, affecting up to 75 percent of the population. It consistently ranks as the world's most common fear. Most studies show public speaking fear as the most common phobia globally, with over 75 percent of people affected.
This fear is often ranked higher than the fear of death, spiders, or heights. In fact, public speaking fear is the most common phobia ahead of the fear of death. Its commonality is higher than the fear of heights, and it is even more prevalent than the fear of spiders. For many, the thought of speaking in front of an audience triggers more anxiety than other significant phobias.
Top Ranked Fears Worldwide: Where Does Public Speaking Stand?
Public speaking is ranked as the world's number one phobia. It is the world's greatest fear, consistently holding the top position among common human fears. Public speaking is the number one fear according to most studies, affecting up to 75 percent of the population worldwide.
This fear is more frequent than the fear of death. It ranks above the fear of death, spiders, and heights. For many, public speaking is the number one fear in the world, even ranking position 1 among worst fears in a 1973 survey. Among Americans, it is the number one fear, surpassing the fear of death, starvation, or painful terminal illness.
Why Does Public Speaking Fear Rank So High?
Public speaking fear ranks so high because it often stems from a deep-seated fear of judgment or negative evaluation. This makes it the world's greatest fear for many people. The average person even ranks public speaking higher than the fear of death.
Up to 75 percent of the population experiences this common phobia, making it the number one fear worldwide. It is consistently ranked as the world's number one phobia by average adults and professionals. This fear has held a top position on lists of worst human fears, including a 1973 survey.
Symptoms and Impact of Public Speaking Anxiety
Public speaking anxiety brings a range of symptoms that affect both your body and mind. Common symptoms include an increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, and a dry mouth. You might also experience a racing heart, churning stomach, or your mind going blank. These typical symptoms cover both cognitive and physical reactions.
Other common symptoms are nausea, panic, and dread. This anxiety often includes a strong urge to avoid public speaking entirely. Symptoms of public speaking fear can range from mild to severe anxiety. When you experience this fear, your symptoms can amplify in your mind, creating a domino effect that makes the speech feel like a nightmare. These symptoms interfere with your speech or presentation performance. Some people even experience insomnia days before a speaking event, as physical symptoms link to a fight or flight physiological process.
Differences Between Public Speaking Fear and Social Anxiety
Fear of public speaking is a prevalent type of social anxiety social phobia. In fact, the fear of people in public speaking is also called social anxiety. This specific fear is a common form of anxiety, and it is also a form of performance anxiety, according to Mayo Clinic.
Public speaking fear is heightened by social anxiety, meaning people with social anxiety have fear of speaking in public. Among those with social anxiety disorder, public speaking is feared more intensely and more often. People who fear public speaking have higher heart rates compared to individuals with generalized social anxiety disorder. Public speaking fear has a negative impact similar to social phobia, affecting individuals negatively.
How Exposure and Practice Can Help Overcome Public Speaking Fear
Overcoming the fear of public speaking requires practice and exposure. Continuous practice and exposure are key strategies to overcome public speaking anxiety. Implementing preparation, practice, and gradual exposure helps you develop effective public speaking skills, build confidence, and deliver impactful presentations.
This means you should start by gradually exposing yourself to speaking engagements, beginning with small groups and increasing audience size. Exposure therapy is important for curing glossophobia, and a traditional method for overcoming this fear prescribes repeated public speaking exposure. If practice alone is insufficient, you can overcome public speaking fear with professional help, according to Mayo Clinic. Joining a support group or getting professional help, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can also ease this fear.
Public Speaking Tips to Reduce Fear and Build Confidence
To reduce public speaking fear and build confidence, prioritize practice and preparation. Getting organized can reduce public speaking fear, and knowing your topic well also helps. You can also manage fear by incorporating positive self-talk, not listening to negative internal voices, and aiming for your best, not perfection.
Building more experience in public speaking diminishes fear; speaking in public more often helps desensitize you. Public speaking programs often use safe, gradual exposure, starting with small steps to build strength and confidence. Growing confidence through mini-confidence boosters like inspirational music, power poses, or pep talks also helps. Additionally, speaking slower and connecting with your audience can reduce fear, while preparation for public speaking will build confidence. For more strategies, visit public speaking strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Public Speaking Fear Ranking
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Is public speaking really the #1 fear?
Yes, public speaking fear is ranked as the world's number one phobia, affecting up to 75 percent of the population. This fear is often more frequent than the fear of death, and it is ranked as the number one fear by average adults. It is considered the world's greatest fear and the number one fear according to most studies, including for most professionals. In fact, for Americans, it is greater than the fear of death, starvation, or painful terminal illness, consistently holding ranking position 1 among worst fears.
What is the #1 phobia in the world?
The fear of public speaking is ranked as the world's number one phobia. It affects approximately 75 percent of people during their lifetime. This makes it the most common fear globally, surpassing many other anxieties.
Do most people fear public speaking more than death?
Yes, most people fear public speaking more than death. This fear is often ranked higher than the fear of death by many people. In fact, studies show that the general population fears public speaking more than death. This fear has a greater prevalence, making it more common than the fear of death. For instance, 75 percent of people in the American population fear public speaking more than death, according to a 2023 American study.
What are the top 3 biggest fears people experience?
Public speaking ranks as the number one fear among people. This means that for many, the public speaking fear rank is higher than other common anxieties. Heights is the second most common fear you might encounter. Following that, going to the dentist is ranked as the third biggest fear people experience.
Why is social anxiety increasing among younger generations?
Social anxiety is increasing among younger generations largely due to the pressure from social media. This constant exposure can make younger individuals feel insecure. Increased access to social media, especially at younger ages when social functioning skills are developing, contributes to a rise in social anxiety disorder prevalence in children and adolescents. This means you might feel more pressure to present a perfect image online, which can heighten feelings of anxiety in real-world social situations.
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