Managing Speech Anxiety Chapter 3

Public Speaking Anxiety? 76% of experienced speakers feel fearful before presenting a speech Meryl Streep, Barbra Streisand, Billy Graham…………

Understanding Anxiety Public Speaking Apprehension: fear or anxiety associated with either anticipating or actually speaking to an audience. 15% of US population experiences public speaking anxiety Females experience higher anxiety associated with public speaking

Why are you anxious about speaking? Lack of positive experience? Feeling different? Being the center of attention?

Pinpointing the onset of Public Speaking Anxiety Pre-preparation anxiety – prior to giving a speech Preparation anxiety – for most people, anxiety is lowest at this phase Pre-performance anxiety – as you rehearse your speech Performance anxiety – there is a gradual decline of anxiety that begins about one minute into your presentation

Lenny Laskowski says… PRIOR PROPER PREPARATION PREVENTS POOR PERFORMANCE OF THE PERSON PUTTING ON THE PRESENTATION! Try saying that 3 times!

Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety Prepare and Practice  students who practice in front of others do better! Modify thoughts / Attitudes (Cognitive Restructuring)  Positive Self-Talk vs Negative Self-Talk  Communication Orientation Motivation Performance vs Communication Visualization  Joe Ayres and Theodore Hopf Systematic desensitization  Relaxation!!!!!!

Specific Techniques Allow time to prepare!!!! Practice your speech aloud!!! Choose an appropriate time to speak Use positive self-talk Face the audience Focus on your message Use visual aids