Symptoms of the fear of criticism
This fear is almost as universal as the fear of poverty, and its effects are just as fatal to personal achievement, mainly because this fear destroys initiative, and discourages the use of imagination. The major symptoms of the fear are: Self-consciousness - Generally expressed through nervousness, timidity in conversation and in meeting strangers, awkward movement of the hands and limbs, shifting of the eyes. Lack of poise - Expressed through lack of voice control, nervousness in the presence of others, poor posture of body, poor memory. Personality - Lacking in firmness of decision, personal charm, and ability to express opinions definitely. The habit of side-stepping issues instead of meeting them squarely. Agreeing with others without careful examination of other opinions. Inferiority complex - The habit of expressing self approval by word of mouth and by actions, as means of covering up a feeling of inferiority. Using "big words" to impress others, (often wi...