Small Room Glossophobia

We’ve all heard or read at some point that public speaking is one of our most commonly cited fears. It even has a name. Glossophobia. You may be a glossophobic yourself. It’s OK. We all have phobias.

I've been on stage hundreds of times in front of large and small crowds. Neither much scares me anymore. However public speaking did scare me before I got used to it.

I always found small audiences a lot scarier than large ones. Particularly when they are in a space that matches their numbers.

I know this feels counter-intuitive. Let me explain.

If you are talking to 20 people in a small room you can look each person in the eyes. It comes across as odd if you don't make eye contact with every person in the room.

When you are talking to hundreds or more people, it feels like a collection of heads in the crowd.

You might interact with members of a large audience during Q&A. Interaction is almost certain in a small room. And a lack of interaction in a small-room setting feels wrong in a way that it never does speaking to a large crowd.

If you want tips on handling conference Q&A, check out my post on “How to Rid the Room of Crickets.”

This is why I find large crowds far less intimidating.

FWIW, I've never felt the need to try the "just picture everyone naked" trick for overcoming stage fright. So I have no idea if it works. I strongly suspect all it does is cause you to lose your place in your presentation. But have at it if it does work for you.

However, if this trick works at all, I bet it works better in a smaller room.

I prefer to think of all the people in a big room as balloons with smiley faces drawn on them. I know that’s weird. Just find what works for you.