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

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.