There are people who seem to be addicted to microphones, however glossophobia, the fear of public speaking, is very real. Experts say that approximately 75% of the population suffers from this fear. Standing on a stage can be a very scary thing. Speaking to people causes panic, fear, trembling, and even fainting. In addition, some people will suffer with increased blood pressure, increased perspiration, dry mouth, nausea, and even stiffness in their back muscles. It is a perfectly normal thing, however it is more prevalent among people who suffer from social anxiety disorder. You may have dreaded the day that it was your turn at your High School speech class. If so, that just made your normal.
Some People Can’t Get Enough
There is another group of people who live on the other side of the equation. Some people love the stage and can’t get enough of being on stage. Many artists, speakers, teachers, and pastors thrive when presented with an audience to speak to or perform for. These stage dwellers are as comfortable, or maybe more comfortable, on stage than they are being alone. There are people who seem to be addicted to microphones.
I have had the opportunity to sing and speak on stages for a long time and I can say unequivocally that the addiction to the microphone is scarier than the fear of public speaking itself. There are have been times when the thrill dominated my motivation and perhaps that is why God put me on a six year sabbatical from vocational ministry. This is the really scary part. The addiction to microphones and stages can turn into full blown narcissism. When you get there you are in for a hard road that will be filled with dysfunctional relationships and intense therapy.
Everybody Has a Microphone
It seems like everybody has a microphone these days and that is kind of a beautiful thing. People should be heard even if I don’t agree with them. Spotify claims to have 4.7 million podcasts on their platform. I love a good podcast. Podcasts dominate the time that I spend in my car. Here is the shameless plug for two of my favorites.
https://open.spotify.com/show/4aJgVaCpzvO06FGk3F9Ipa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vR9Q2Ml0agg
By all means, go get a microphone and let your voice be heard. Beware of the addiction. It is real and it is scary.
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