Considering the physical horrors which dominate this list, The Kings Speech might initially seem out of place. How could an Oscar-winning English drama possibly share space with the likes of Final Destination? The answer is simple fear of public speaking is more common than any other phobia on this list, and it doesnt matter that glossophobia is the one affliction mentioned where death isnt among the possible outcomes. Even the most self-confident individual feels a bit of anxiety when speaking before a group of people who dont know them personally. An individual with a chronic stammer must feel such panic tenfold. The Kings Speech exploits this fear to the nth degree during the agonizing climax, where King George VI (Colin Firth) is well-aware all of Great Britain is listening to his radio address during a key moment in WWII history. Despite the uplifting outcome, if that scenario doesnt send glossophobes running to the hills, nothing will.
D.M. Anderson works and lives in Portland Oregon. He is the author of two young adult novels (Killer Cows & Shaken) and a collection of dark tales (With the Wicked). He has also published several short stories which have appeared (or will appear) in various anthologies and magazines such as 69 Flavors of Paranoia, Night Terrors, Trembles, Encounters, Implosion, Strange Fucking Stories, Perpetual Motion Machine. He documents his adventures in the dark on on his movie site, Free Kittens Movie Guide
