Common public speaking technique increases sexual deviance
For many people, public speaking is at the top of their most feared activities. To address these fears, it has long been recommended that the speaker imagine the audience naked. However, new evidence suggests this technique is leading to longer-term sexual dysfunction among young men.
One participant of the study who agreed to speak with us anonymously had this to say: “It’s wrecked most of my relationships. When I get to an intimate moment with my partner I can’t perform. Seeing one person naked does nothing after all those times I’ve imagined rooms of naked people.”
Another, larger study is about to get underway to further test these results and provide a more robust set of recommendations. But for now, one researcher had this piece of advice for anyone with a public speaking obligation: “Just imagine everyone fully clothed, with long beards, pink sunglasses, and an ugly Christmas sweater.”