Re:A shift in American family values is fueling estrangement
by NoSorryCannot on Thursday July 15, 2021 @12:37PM
(#27846677)
Public speaking carries real potential for negative outcomes. I don't think fear of it is irrational.
With experience and exposure, we learn how to manage risk and what our limits are. Same is true of learning to swim or learning to drive, but it's not true that a fear of swimming or driving is irrational or unwarranted for someone who hasn't done it often or ever. No, it's completely appropriate.
The most obvious example is a fear of public speaking. Everyone I know who's struggled with it (including myself) has resolved it through the perspective that it's wrong to be afraid and you've gotta figure out tricks to get over your irrational fear. It's hard to see what a more "validating" approach would look like.