1. A Fearful Thing: Impromptu Speech
Speech Communication

2. Word Bank adrenaline animation diminish egotism incapacitate insulin
stage fright

3. Brain Teasers What is stage fright? How can it work for you?
How does it work against you?
How can you control it?

4. Everybody Gets Stage Fright
What is stage fright?
Speech anxiety
Nervous energy
Fear or anxiety
Extra adrenaline and insulin shoot through your body
Breathing becomes faster
Pulse rate shoots up
Stage fright can work for you
Extra energy is good to help you be a dynamic speaker
Your job is to control the energy
Controlled nervous energy puts a sparkle in your manner
Stage fright can work against you
Shaky voice, dry throat, uneasy stomach can incapacitate

5. Be the Master of Stage Fright
Speak in public often
Pick a subject that interests you and you want to talk about
Thoroughly prepare
Think of your listeners
Become actively involved
Look your best
Look poised

6. Assignment
Tell your stage fright symptoms and experiences to the class. Describe exactly how you feel, what your body does, and what your thoughts are when you have stage fright.
Fill out the activity sheet
Do NOT prepare beyond the written work
Speak for 1-2 minutes on how you feel when you have stage fright. Speculate as to what causes your anxiety. Tell any stories on yourself that have occurred because of your tension. When you are through, remain standing while class members volunteer suggestions to help you.