The Shyness & Social Anxiety Workbook
182Sample Situational Exposure Hierarchy: Public Speaking
Situation Fear Avoidance
1. Give a 1-hour, formal lecture to 200 strangers about a 
topic that I don’t know well.100 100
2. Give a 1-hour, formal lecture to 30 strangers about a topic 
that I don’t know well.99 100
3. Give a 1-hour, formal lecture to 200 strangers about a 
familiar topic.90 100
4. Give a 1-hour, formal lecture to 30 strangers about a 
familiar topic.85 100
5. Give a 1-hour, informal presentation to 20 coworkers 
about an unfamiliar topic.85 90
6. Give a 1-hour, informal presentation to 20 coworkers 
about a familiar topic.70 70
7. Give a 1-hour, informal presentation to 20 young children 
about my work.65 65
8. Make comments or ask questions in a large meeting (more 
than 15 people).50 60
9. Make comments or ask questions in a small meeting (5 or 
6 people).40 40
10. Offer to make a toast at a family dinner. 35 35