Frazz by Jef Mallett for March 30, 2016

This kid is pretty open about her bathroom habits with the janitor.

Glossophobia can be treated in a number of ways, and its pathology is also diverse. In the end, the feeling is one of being trapped in a clearing facing an audience of hungry beasts and like Lug in RSR’s example above, being filled with the urge to escape. Even many rational adults choke up when they have to speak to a group. Unfortunately, it’s only one of many terrors we face—phobias abound to confound us. I always have sympathy for a child facing a primal fear.

I don’t think children ever get to the 100th occasion of speaking in front of class, or most adults being in front of an audience.

Scientifically, this is not a manifestation of the “fight or flight” evolutionary response; it is an isolated anecdote.

If “fight or flight” was the result of evolution, then either everyone would have it, or not. However, people are unique individuals, and their responses are equally unique. Some don’t mind the spotlight; some are scared of it; some, like the class clowns, thrive in it. And these traits may differ from generation to generation.

You can’t take the one example as “proof” and ignore the other examples that contradict.

At best, this would be proof of the uniqueness of individuals.

That was the most interesting and enlightening comment I have read — or probably will read — all year. Thank you!

The alternate version is that on the 100th time, Lug having been embarrassed 99X, doesn’t run while Wug figures out the wind wasn’t blowing just then and runs away. The smartest survive.

It depends on how close the school is to the secret genetic engineering lab…

Sorry to burst your bubble, Frazz. Went to a museum where they gave you a chance to escape a saber tooth (running against a projection). Even gave you a one second start (it was a short run). The lion caugh you mid-second bound if you ran really fast. So fight or flight doesn’t matter, you’re toast.

Hubby was a natural-born public speaker and taught it to others in classes after work.

. . . as an appetizer?

you forgot to menrtion Mug who defecates as he runs. the lion slips on the stuff and breaks a leg when he hits a rock. Mug is who she is descended from . . .

I can’t be the only one who envisioned Hobbes when she mentioned a saber tooth tiger….?

Speaking in public is considered one of the biggest of human fears, if not THE biggest.