©2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Chapter 4 Understanding Communication Apprehension

©2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Speech Anxiety Physical arousal and speech anxiety Psychology of arousal and performance Why some people are more anxious than others

©2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. How Arousal Influences Performance

©2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Stage One:Managing Anxiety Before Speaking Develop a positive attitude Over-prepare and practice Gain experience Establish realistic goals Avoid negative self-talk Concern yourself with what’s relevant Practice relaxation skills Practice visual imagery and rehearsal Combine techniques

©2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Stage Two:Managing Anxiety While Speaking Dress for confidence Remember your audience is rooting for you Breathe deeply and relax Smile before beginning Make eye contact Practice positive self-talk  “ I can do this” Use positive coping statements  “ It’s going well...I’m halfway home”

©2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Stage Three:Managing Anxiety After Speaking Breathe deeply Congratulate yourself Have pen and paper ready to record comments Focus on instructor/audience feedback

©2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Self-Talk To Avoid Self-criticizing  “ I’m a terrible speaker” Self pressuring  “ I can’t afford anything less than an A” Catastophizing  “ This is the worst experience I’ll ever have”

©2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Positive Coping Statements “ I’m prepared for this speech” “ Do it just like you rehearsed it” “ It’s just like I practiced” “ This is better than I anticipated” “ I’m actually liking this” “ Not bad...not bad at all”