Glossophobia is the fear of public speaking that arises from a Greek word meaning "fear or dread of the tongue." It causes extreme nervousness when speaking in public that is difficult to control and can cause people to miss opportunities. It stems from a fear of appearing nervous, past failures at public speaking, lack of preparation, and low self-esteem. Symptoms include blushing, sweating, and panic. To overcome it, one should know their topic well, understand their audience, get organized, do deep breathing exercises, and consistently practice public speaking.