How do I know if I have glossophobia?

Glossophobia exists on a spectrum. Signs include significant anticipatory anxiety before presentations, physical symptoms during presenting (shaking, racing heart, dry mouth), avoiding speaking opportunities, and difficulty recovering from presentations. This assessment gives you a structured view of your anxiety level and personalised guidance.

What score indicates severe glossophobia?

This assessment uses a 0–21 scale. Scores of 0–5 suggest minimal anxiety. 6–11 suggests mild anxiety. 12–17 suggests moderate anxiety affecting performance. 18–21 suggests significant anxiety warranting both structured practice and potentially professional support.

What questions are in the glossophobia test?

The 7-question assessment covers: anticipatory anxiety before presentations, feelings in the hour before presenting, physical symptoms when presenting, anxiety during Q&A, avoidance behaviours, comfort with small groups, and recovery time after presentations. Each question has 4 response options scored 0-3.

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.

Start practising presentations with EchoPitch — free to start

Free Assessment

Glossophobia Self-Assessment

7 questions. 2 minutes. Personalised guidance based on your answers.

Question 1 of 70%

How do you feel in the week before a presentation you know is coming?

Your answers are not stored. This assessment is for guidance only.

Glossophobia Self-Assessment — Free Presentation Anxiety Test

Assessment Questions

Scoring Guide

About This Assessment

Glossophobia Self-Assessment

How do you feel in the week before a presentation you know is coming?