Fear of Speaking and Reading in Public

John said, “I feel very nervous when I read in the church. Even in the class, I am generally very nervous and cannot read aloud properly. Get mixed up lines and see double. My hands tremble and my knees knock against each other. I need help.”

“You seem to be aware of your body. The next time you go to read, I want you to do two things. First, look at the others around you and indicate to them that you are nervous and shivering. Second, I want you to let your hands tremble more and to your knees knock harder.”

“How will that help? It is precisely those very things I want to avoid too.”

“By trying to avoid them, you are trembling all the more.”

“Yes. That is true.”

“Awareness of and conscious acceptance of your bodily and mental condition will not only reduce, but even remove your fear.”