SPEECH ANXIETY

CH. 2
Communication
Apprehension:
a level of fear or anxiety
associated with actual or anticipated
communication with others.
(McCroskey, 1977)
2 Types of CA
STATE - varies
TRAIT - relatively stable
Symptoms of CA
Physical
Emotional
Cognitive
Causes of CA
Lack of experience
Prior negative experience
Fear of being the center of attention
Concern about being judged
High stakes
Feeling subordinate to the audience
Feeling different than the audience
Degree of unpredictability
Self-fulfilling prophecy
Excessive self-focus
ESL
Manage Your CA
Despite your CA, you can do it!
Youre your worst enemy.
Preparation & Practice will decrease CA
Techniques to Reduce CA
Visualization
Systematic Desensitization
Cognitive Restructuring
Defocus
The only difference between the pros and the
novices is that the pros have trained the
butterflies to fly in formation.
Edwin Newman, NBC News Anchorperson
Critical Thinking
In general, people high in CA seem to be at a
disadvantage when it comes to others
perceptions of their competence, leadership
abilities, and social attractiveness.
Why do you suppose others perceive them
that way?
How might you caution someone with
negative perceptions of people high in CA?