Download CommunicationApprehension

Public
Speaking Class
Communication Apprehension
Public
Speaking Class
What can we learn from Amanda?
 Give this class your best effort.
 Engage in diligent preparation &
practice.
 View it as a systematic process.
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Speaking Class
Stage Fright
 This is the uncomfortable feeling
when speaking alone in front of an
audience.
 This fear or anxiety is part of the
body’s fight-or-flight reaction.
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Communication Apprehension
 An individual’s level of fear or anxiety
associated with either real or
anticipated communication with
another person or persons
(McCroskey 13).
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Speaking Class
Communication Apprehension
Physiological Responses
Psychological Responses
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 Increased self
consciousness
 Irrational fears
 Lack of confidence
 Negative attitude
Rapid heart rate
Sweating
Dry mouth
Hyperventilation
Butterflies in
stomach
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Speaking Class
Communication Apprehension
 Trait CA: a general pattern of low
medium, or high orientation of
anxiety or fear across communication
contexts.
 State CA: the anxiety or fear is
experienced in one situation but not
in others.
How does anxiety (CA) affect my
speech preparation?
 It prevents you from being relaxed in the
speech process, and hinders systematic
preparation in the following areas:
•Significant Reflection &Thinking Time
•Research
•Adaptation to Audience
•Outline Organization
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How does anxiety (CA) affect my
speech delivery?
 It affects your oral performance:
•Inadequate voice projection
•Speaking too quickly or too slowly
•Lack of confidence
•Reluctance to use eye contact
•Lose focus & uncomfortable feeling
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Speaking Class
What can I do to limit my speech anxiety to
give a speech that makes an impact?
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Cognitive Restructuring
Deep breathing exercises
Time management
Sufficient practice
Formal attire
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Speaking Class
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Cognitive Restructuring
 “A process of revising how people
think about speaking
situations”(Wood 288).
• “I can’t be a good speaker”
 “I can be a good public speaker”
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Speaking Class
Cognitive Restructuring
 Helps combat psychological noise
•Also called internal noise that refers to
biases, prejudices, & feelings toward a
person or message (West and Turner).
•Example : “I hate giving a speech.”
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Boosting Confidence
 Consistent cognitive restructuring
changes negative beliefs into positive
affirmations that boost your
confidence levels.
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Speaking Class
Deep breathing exercises
 Synchronize your breathing &
speaking.
 Allow for better voice projection.
•Vocal Effort: the effort you make to
vocalize sound (Colton and Casper
232).
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Speaking Class
Deep breathing exercises
 Alleviate negative physiological effects
of CA, such as hyperventilation &
rapid heart rate.
 Help you relax & be engaged.
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M
RBMK0avS6U
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Engage in deep breathing!
 Breathe in through your nose for a
count of five, as if you are smelling a
rose.
 Hold your breath for a count of five.
 Relax & breathe out slowly for a count
of five, as if you are bending the flame
of a candle.
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Speaking Class
Time Management
 Estimate time needed for preparation.
 Block out specific & multiple time
slots.
 Be aware of when you feel nervous &
refocus on completing the task.
 Budget question time into your plan.
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Sufficient practice
 Allow time for this.
 Incorporate reflections & feedback to
develop more competence.
 Practice speech at least 7 times to
limit anxiety & develop your own
extemporaneous style.
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Speaking Class
Formal attire
 Attire should be suited to the
occasion.
 A clean, neatly groomed appearance
enhances credibility & more confident
verbal and nonverbal communication.
 Plan ahead for all this.
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Five strategies to combat CA
1. Use cognitive restructuring for
affirmations.
2. Do deep breathing exercises to relax.
3. Practice time management skills.
4. Complete sufficient practice.
5. Wear formal attire on speech day.
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