2 discussions due in 24 hours

Dealing with Speech Anxiety

Communications 135 – Lecture

This lecture has an audio track.

It is a compilation of information:
My experience
Your Forum posts
Textbooks
Dr. Linda Webster’s
Stephen E. Lucas’s
Rudolph Verderber’s
Mary G. Jarzabek

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Dealing with Speech Anxiety

Communications 135 – Lecture

Communication
Apprehension
_______________________________________________________________
Anxiety over the prospect of speaking in front of an audience

Also known as nervousness, speech anxiety, and stagefright.
This is a Contextual or Situation-Based Fear.
Slide images courtesy of “Google Images.” The LSUS logo is copyrighted by LSU Shreveport 2010.
Gallup Poll, February 18-21, 2001 says it is the second most common fear in America (Fear of Death was #6).

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Dealing with Speech Anxiety

Communications 135 – Lecture

Causes:
Overestimating Audience Expectations
Overestimating Significance of Situation
Lack of Preparation
Lack of Experience
Fear of the unknown
Need to impress the audience
Believing that speakers must be PERFECT
Fear of a bad grade
Not knowing how to correct mistakes

Psychological causes create the physical response to fear (fight-or-flight response). This is associated with the output of adrenaline by the body in response to the emotional state of fear.
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Dealing with Speech Anxiety

Communications 135 – Lecture

Symptoms:
Result from adrenaline released in our “fear response”
Include:
Forgetfullness
Sweating
Muscle spasms or shaking
Dry mouth
Dermal flushing
Most of these are NOT noticed by the audience members.

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Dealing with Speech Anxiety

Communications 135 – Lecture

Communication
Apprehension
_______________________________________________________________
Everyone has it
Understanding is key to coping
Take steps to control
nervousness

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Dealing with Speech Anxiety

Communications 135 – Lecture

Remember – You are already skilled!

Organizing thoughts logically
Tailoring message to audience
Telling story for maximum impact
Adapting to feedback

Information taken from “The Art of Public Speaking” by Dr. Stephen Lucas, 2010.

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Dealing with Speech Anxiety

Communications 135 – Lecture

Tips for Reducing Anxiety

Put the situation in proper perspective.

Concentrate on the message.

Interact with positive feedback.

BE FULLY PREPARED
Mental & Physical best
Use well prepared note cards
Work especially on introduction

THINK POSITIVELY

Respect your audience and they will respect you and your efforts…DO NOT imagine them naked!
Thinking well of yourself is important…this is easier if you are well prepared.
Visualizing a good speech helps: Visualization is used by athletes and actors for successful outcomes.
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Dealing with Speech Anxiety

Communications 135 – Lecture

Tips for Reducing Anxiety

Rehearse your presentation- OUT LOUD.

Expect imperfection and develop ways of making verbal corrections.

Remember – nervousness can be used to your advantage (energy & animation)
Use relaxation exercises
Take slow deep breaths

Gain experience.

Respect your audience and they will respect you and your efforts…DO NOT imagine them naked!
Experts estimate that more that 50% of nervousness is successfully controlled with proper preparation.
Here are some websites you can visit for specific muscularrelaxtion techniques:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/relaxation-technique/SR00007

http://www.songwriter.com/susan/srarticle_3.html

http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-overcome-stage-fright-3

http://www.coedu.usf.edu/zalaquett/help_screens/relaxation.htm

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Dealing with Speech Anxiety

Communications 135 – Lecture

Hopefully you will take the edge off of your speech anxiety.

Understanding
Further Study
and
LOTS of Practice
Mary G. Jarzabek