Glossophobia Self-Assessment — Free Presentation Anxiety Test
The glossophobia test is a free, 7-question self-assessment that measures how much anxiety public speaking causes you, scored on a 0-21 scale. It takes about 2 minutes, your answers aren't stored, and questions cover anticipatory dread before presenting, physical symptoms like a racing heart or shaking voice, anxiety during Q&A, avoidance behaviours, comfort presenting to small groups, and how quickly you recover afterward. Your total score places you into one of four levels: minimal anxiety (0–5), mild anxiety (6–11), moderate anxiety (12–17, the most common result), or significant anxiety (18–21), which warrants both structured practice and potentially professional support. Each level comes with personalised, evidence-based guidance rather than a generic result. This is an informal self-assessment for guidance only, not a clinical diagnosis — if you're experiencing significant distress, consult a qualified healthcare professional rather than relying on the score alone.
Assessment Questions
The glossophobia self-assessment includes the following 7 questions:
- Question 1: How do you feel in the week before a presentation you know is coming?
- Fine — I barely think about it (Score: 0)
- Mildly aware of it, some low-level nerves (Score: 1)
- Noticeably anxious — it's in the back of my mind (Score: 2)
- Significant dread — it affects my sleep or mood (Score: 3)
- Question 2: How do you feel in the hour before you have to present?
- Focused and slightly energised (Score: 0)
- Mildly nervous but manageable (Score: 1)
- Noticeably anxious — heart racing, dry mouth (Score: 2)
- Severe anxiety — I'm considering any way to avoid it (Score: 3)
- Question 3: What happens physically when you start presenting?
- Nothing significant (Score: 0)
- Slight nervousness that passes quickly (Score: 1)
- Noticeable symptoms — shaking, voice tremor, flushing (Score: 2)
- Severe symptoms that affect my ability to present (Score: 3)
- Question 4: How do you feel during Q&A after a presentation?
- Confident — I prefer Q&A to the talk (Score: 0)
- Slightly anxious but manageable (Score: 1)
- Very anxious — I struggle to think clearly (Score: 2)
- I dread Q&A more than the presentation itself (Score: 3)
- Question 5: Have you ever avoided an opportunity because of presentation anxiety?
- Never (Score: 0)
- Once or twice for very high-stakes situations (Score: 1)
- Several times — anxiety influences my choices (Score: 2)
- Regularly — I avoid anything with a visibility element (Score: 3)
- Question 6: How do you feel presenting to small groups (2–5 people)?
- Completely comfortable (Score: 0)
- Slightly self-conscious (Score: 1)
- Noticeably anxious even in small groups (Score: 2)
- Small groups trigger almost the same anxiety as large ones (Score: 3)
- Question 7: How quickly do you recover after a presentation?
- Immediately — I forget about it (Score: 0)
- Within an hour (Score: 1)
- Several hours of replaying what went wrong (Score: 2)
- Days — I analyse it repeatedly and feel low (Score: 3)
Scoring Guide
Your total score (0-21) indicates your glossophobia severity level:
- Minimal anxiety (0–5): Presentations trigger very little anxiety for you. Normal performance nerves exist but do not interfere with your delivery.
- Mild anxiety (6–11): You experience noticeable anxiety before presentations but can usually manage it once you start. Regular practice will reduce these further.
- Moderate anxiety (12–17): Presentation anxiety is genuinely affecting your performance and potentially your career choices. This is the most common level.
- Significant anxiety (18–21): Your presentation anxiety is significantly impacting your professional life. This level warrants both structured practice and potentially professional support.
About This Assessment
This is an informal self-assessment for guidance only, not a clinical diagnosis. If you are experiencing significant distress, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
The assessment is free, takes approximately 2 minutes, and your answers are not stored. Results provide personalised recommendations based on evidence-based approaches to managing presentation anxiety. For comprehensive strategies, see our guide to overcoming presentation anxiety, the deep dive on glossophobia, and improving your vocal delivery. See also EchoPitch for presentation anxiety.
Glossophobia Severity Checklist (25 Symptoms)
Below the 7-question test, this page also includes a more detailed 25-symptom severity checklist across four categories, weighted by clinical significance for a 0-50 score:
Physical Symptoms
- Racing heart before presenting
- Sweaty palms or underarms
- Shaky hands or trembling
- Voice shaking or cracking
- Dry mouth, difficulty swallowing
- Face going red (blushing)
- Stomach butterflies or nausea
- Shallow breathing or feeling breathless
Mental Symptoms
- Mind going blank mid-presentation
- "Everyone will judge me" thoughts
- Imagining worst-case scenarios
- Harsh self-criticism during/after
- Feeling it must be perfect or it's a failure
- Comparing yourself negatively to others
Behavioral Patterns
- Avoiding speaking opportunities entirely
- Over-preparing to the point of exhaustion
- Can't present without reading a script
- Turned down promotion/opportunity due to presenting
- Called in sick to avoid a presentation
- Always delegate speaking to colleagues
Anticipatory Symptoms
- Can't sleep the night before
- Dread building for days/weeks beforehand
- Constantly counting down to the presentation
- Fantasizing about ways to escape/cancel
- Actually feeling ill on the morning of
Severity Checklist Scoring
Your total score (0-50) on the checklist maps to one of four levels with a matching badge:
- 0-5 points — Minimal Anxiety (Cool Cucumber): Presentations barely faze you. Normal pre-performance energy exists but doesn't interfere with delivery.
- 6-15 points — Mild Anxiety (Nervous Navigator): You experience noticeable anxiety but can usually push through. Targeted practice can reduce these symptoms.
- 16-28 points — Moderate Anxiety (Anxiety Warrior): Presentation anxiety is genuinely affecting your performance and possibly your career choices. This is very common and very treatable.
- 29-50 points — Significant Anxiety (Brave Battler): Your presentation anxiety is significantly impacting your professional life. The fact that you're seeking help shows courage.
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