Chapter 3: Managing Speech Anxiety

Whip Around If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Think about this question and be prepared to share aloud to the class.

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Identify What Makes You Anxious Public-speaking anxiety (PSA)  Fear or anxiety  Associated with actual or anticipated communication to audience as speaker Identify what makes you anxious.  Can help lessen your fear

On a separate sheet of paper answer: List five experiences that give you the most anxiety. State how the anxiety you associate with these experiences compares with the level of public speaking anxiety that you feel.

Causes of PSA 1.Lack of positive experience 2.Feeling different 3.Being center of attention

Lack of Positive Experience Speech anxiety can be caused by  Lack of exposure to public speaking;  Unpleasant public speaking experiences. Gaining experience helps you overcome anxiety.

Feeling Different Common causes of speech anxiety  Feeling alone  Feeling sensitive about personal idiosyncrasies  Fear that no one is interested Everyone is different in many ways. Nearly everyone experiences nervousness.

Being the Center of Attention Audience behaviors causing speech anxiety  Lack of making eye contact  Conversing with a neighbor Self-consciousness can make you feel conspicuous. Audiences often notice only what we reveal.

Pinpoint the Onset of Anxiety Anxiety can strike at different times. Anxiety may cause procrastination or poor performance. Identify the first onset of nervousness.  Allows you to address it promptly with specific anxiety-reducing techniques

When PSA Occurs 1.Pre-preparation anxiety 2.Preparation anxiety 3.Pre-performance anxiety 4.Performance anxiety

Pre-Preparation Anxiety Consequences  Reluctance to begin planning  Preoccupation with anxiety  Missing vital information about the speech Address anxiety early with stress-reducing techniques.

Preparation Anxiety Produces a cycle of  Stress;  Procrastination;  Outright avoidance. Take short breaks to regain confidence.

Pre-Performance Anxiety May occur while rehearsing the speech Can cause you to stop rehearsing

Pre-Performance Anxiety (cont.) Use the anxiety stop-time technique.  Allow anxiety to present itself.  Wait a few minutes.  Declare time for confidence to step in.  Proceed.

Performance Anxiety May occur as the speech begins Control nervousness during the introduction.  Rest of the speech comes easily Manage anxiety.  Don’t let anxiety manage you.

Use Proven Strategies to Build Your Confidence Many strategies can help reduce fears. Thoroughly plan for each presentation.

Prepare and Practice Begin preparing as soon as possible. Rehearse your speech several times.

Modify Thoughts and Attitudes Have a positive attitude. Envision your speech as  Valuable;  Worthwhile;  Challenging;  An opportunity for personal growth.

Visualize Success Visualization helps reduce nervousness.  Close your eyes.  Picture the day of your speech.  Visualize positive feelings and reactions.

Activate the Relaxation Response “Fight or flight” response  Rapid heart rate and breathing  Dry mouth and faintness  Freezing up Relaxation response counteracts these sensations.

Activate the Relaxation Response (cont.) Briefly meditate.  Relax your muscles and breathe slowly.  Repeat a word or phrase. Use stress-control breathing.  Inhale; let your abdomen go out.  Exhale; let your abdomen go in.

Use Movement to Minimize Anxiety Practice natural gestures used while speaking.  Example: Hold up your index finger. Move as you speak.  Relieves tension  Helps hold audience’s attention

Learn from Feedback Welcome feedback.  Opportunity to do better next time Pay attention to objective evaluations. Feedback is meant to help you.

Summary Questions What is public speaking anxiety? What are some of the common fears associated with it? When does nervousness occur in the speechmaking process? What strategies does this chapter offer for gaining confidence as a public speaker?