Managing Speech Anxiety Communications 1020 Instructor: Dave Gagon.
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Transcript of Managing Speech Anxiety Communications 1020 Instructor: Dave Gagon.
Managing Speech Anxiety
Communications 1020Instructor: Dave Gagon
“At least 75 percent of students in public-speaking courses approach
the course with anxiety.”
James C. McCroskey, “Classroom Consequences of Communication Anxiety,” Communication Education 26 (1977)
Identify What Makes You Anxious
Lack of public-speaking experience Feeling different from members of the
audience Feeling uneasy about being the center of
attention
PUBLIC-SPEAKING ANXIETY
Lack of Experience
Some avoid making speeches Avoid anxiety Miss considerable rewards and growth
it brings
Feeling Different
Worry about personal idiosyncrasies Worry that no one would be
interested in what they have to say Believe that being different
somehow makes them inferior
Being the Center of Attention
Don’t worry about Listeners who won’t make eye contact Audience members whispering to each
other What’s wrong with ME? NOTHING
QUICK TIP
Your Own Worst Critic
If you find yourself feeling anxious about being the center of attention, remember that you see yourself more critically than an audience does. Audience members notice little about us that we don’t want to reveal, so relax and focus on delivering your message.
Pinpoint the Onset of Nervousness
Pre-preparation anxiety Preparation anxiety Pre-performance anxiety Performance anxiety
Pre-Preparation Anxiety
Reluctance to begin planning for the speech
So preoccupied with anxiety you miss vital information
Preparation Anxiety
Feel overwhelmed
Get behind on schedule
Unable to locate support material
Causes stress, procrastination and avoidance
QUICK TIP
Rehearsing Builds Confidence
Making progress on any task increases confidence. Preparing your speech in advance will lessen your nervousness considerably. Remember, just as sitting around wishing you were in better physical shape won’t firm you up, merely wishing your speech will be a success won’t make it so. To ensure a positive result, prepare the speech well in advance and rehearse it several times.
Pre-Performance Anxiety
Thinking too much about the audience
Think ideas don’t sound focused or interesting
Get nervous
Stop rehearsing
Performance Anxiety
Most pronounced during the introduction
Get control here, the rest of the speech comes more easily
Learn Specific Strategiesto Boost Your Confidence
Prepare and practice
Learn Specific Strategiesto Boost Your Confidence
Prepare and practice Modify thoughts and attitudes
Learn Specific Strategiesto Boost Your Confidence
Prepare and practice Modify thoughts and attitudes Visualize success
Learn Specific Strategiesto Boost Your Confidence
Prepare and practice Modify thoughts and attitudes Visualize success Use stress-control breathing
Learn Specific Strategiesto Boost Your Confidence
Prepare and practice Modify thoughts and attitudes Visualize success Use stress-control breathing Practice natural gestures
Learn Specific Strategiesto Boost Your Confidence
Prepare and practice Modify thoughts and attitudes Visualize success Use stress-control breathing Practice natural gestures Move as you speak
Learn Specific Strategiesto Boost Your Confidence
Prepare and practice Modify thoughts and attitudes Visualize success Use stress-control breathing Practice natural gestures Move as you speak Seek pleasure in the occasion