**Reply #4:** For me even the sound of a fan blower helps too. Talking in absolute silence is a nightmare for me. But the way I see it is it just helps you reduce the anxiety because your mind think you are not being on the spot anymore. I have a presentation on Sunday and what I'll also do along side turning on the music is to cover that camera flash on the laptop. Hide all videos of my audience and pretend it's just me. I think it all boils down to how much of a threat or challeneged you feel when you want to say those words and I think it gets elevated when you listen to your own voice. Think this, forget about speaking, are you comfortable watching your own video (no audio). In my opinion, some people feel the opposite because their mind needs to be put on the spot for the words to come out. For example, if I have to clear immigration, I know I'll have to answer those questions no matter what and no matter how, even if he sees my lips trembling. But turns out it never goes that bad, again mind wanted to restrict but the situation demand was very strong. Moreover, for some people, silence is easier to draw attention so might help them, considering the same logic.