Out of 100 Americans, how many say they're afraid or very afraid of public speaking?

Drag to get close · ▲▼ to fine-tune

33.7% of Americans say they're afraid or very afraid of public speaking, about the same share as fear a devastating hurricane (34.1%) or being murdered by a stranger (33.5%). Chapman University asks about more than 65 fears, and corrupt government officials have been the most-feared for 10 surveys running, at nearly 70%.

34% of Americans fear public speaking. A hurricane and being murdered by a stranger scare about the same number.

Source: Chapman University (Survey of American Fears 2025) · checked Oct 2025