Glossophobia

Glossophobia: fear of public speaking; from the greek glossa, meaning tongue, and phobos, meaning fear or dread.

I think dread pretty much sums it up. I have to speak in church on Sunday and I most definitely have glossophobia. I can't think of much that terrifies me more than speaking in church, or speaking anywhere in public for that matter. I think part of it is the microphone. I'm always worried I'm going to be one of those people who gets too close to the microphone and speaks WAY too loud, or is so close that you can hear their breath. I always get up there and speak way too fast. I have trouble breathing at a normal rhythm. I do not have the presence of mind to think for myself. I have to read my talk. I do try to look up now and then, but I don't think it's too convincing. I guess I should just hope that I don't pass out right there on the stand. That would awkward since I'll be in a skirt... Wish me luck...