Communication Apprehension Lecture #1

Communication Apprehension (CA) An individual level of fear or anxiety associated with either real or anticipated communication with another person or persons. Stage fright

Is this how you feel?

Supposed/Theoretical Causes ① Excessive Activation ② Inappropriate Cognitive Processing ③ Inadequate Communication Skills

Excessive Activation Getting overly “psyched up” Moist palms, faster heartbeat, butterflies in stomach, dry mouth, shaking, voice quivers Completely Normal 15-20% have more severe symptoms (nausea, loss of memory, shortness of breath)

Inappropriate Cognitive Processing Feeling terrified rather than excited Perception versus reality Societally nurtured fear

Ted Talk: Required Viewing speaker-the-science-of-stage-fright/ speaker-the-science-of-stage-fright/

Inadequate Communication Skills Lack of Knowledge Lack of Experience Lack of Opportunity

Treatment Approaches ① Excessive Activation Systematic Desensitization ② Inappropriate Cognitive Processing Cognitive Restructuring ③ Inadequate Communication Skills Skills Training

Systematic Desensitization Meant to reduce the body’s physiological reaction Two steps Deep relaxation Focused muscle response Success rate of 90%

Cognitive Restructuring Negativity is irrational Develop new and positive ideas Identify negative statements Replace with revisions Embrace your mantra Catch yourself cheating and correct TED TALK on Mindfulness with Andy P.

Skills Training Works best when voluntary Identify specific target areas for improvement Seven Steps Name particular problem area(s) Small skills make up larger skills Realistic goals Watch a model Discuss and understand the need Practice in safe environment with help Apply to real experience

“You may not be able to get rid of the butterflies, but at least you can get them flying in formation” AKA: Channel that Energy into an enthusiastic speech

KEEP IN MIND: Even experienced, effective speakers and performers experience some communication apprehension. What differs is the mental label that we put on the experience. Effective speakers have learned to channel their body’s reactions, using the energy released by these physiological reactions to create animation and stage presence.

Broadway or Bust

How to Overcome Stage Fright - 6 Easy Steps

Strategies Select a topic you know and enjoy Start preparing early Take care of yourself Volunteer to go first Use one of the following techniques…

5 mins. to go and in private Rag doll Shoulders on parade Shake it out Horse Laugh Facial Exercises

Rag Doll

Shoulders on Parade

Shake it out

Big Yawn

Facial Exercises Extreme vowels Face Scrunchies Eyebrows A E I O U Y

1 min. to go and in public Tense all muscles (not face) and release Breathe deeply and exhale full and slow Be aware of your surroundings Think of happy place Visualize success

Deep Breathing 30 seconds = roughly 6 sets of Calm Breathing 1) breath in 2,3,4,5 2) HOLD 2,3,4 3) breath our 2,3,4,5 4) HOLD 2,3,4 5) REPEAT

Most importantly… the 5 Ps

TED TALK by Amy Cuddy on helpful body language habits in preparing to do things that normally make us nervous