A SPEAKER’S GUIDEBOOK4TH EDITIONCHAPTER 3

Speech Anxiety

Public Speaking Anxiety

The fear associated with actual or anticipated communication to an audience as a speaker.

Being nervous about speaking to others is normal.

Everyone experiences some level of public speaking anxiety – even professional speakers and celebrities!

Question

Why are you anxious about speaking?A. Lack of experienceB. Past bad experienceC. Worry over appearance, faults, or

being different from othersD. Being the center of attentionE. Not being prepared enough

Worried about your lack of experience?

1. Prepare diligently.2. Practice many times.3. Practice in front of friends and family.4. Ask a tutor or instructor to proofread

your outline before your speech day.5. Practice your speaking skills by giving

mini-speeches outside of class.

Worried about being different?

1. Remember everyone is different.2. Dress appropriately and be well

groomed.3. Think positively! You will make a

good impression!

Feel uncomfortable being in front of the audience?

The audience is looking at you, because they like you and want to listen to your speech.

Put your focus on the speech, and don’t think about yourself.

Audiences don’t see anything you don’t reveal or bring to their attention.

Public Speaking Anxiety

Occurs at different moments during the speechmaking process

Can be reduced with relaxation techniques

Contains four stages: Pre-preparation anxiety Preparation anxiety Pre-performance anxiety Performance anxiety

Pre-preparation Anxiety

May cause some students to procrastinate on beginning the speech writing process

May act as interference during the listening process by blocking the reception of vital information about the speaking assignment

Create a plan of action

Pre-preparation anxiety can be calmed by reviewing speech assignment instructions and creating a plan of action

Create a plan of action now:Step 1: Record your speech due date in your

calendar.Step 2: Count the days and divide up the speechmaking steps to fit the days available.Step 3: Set aside a specific time period each day to work on your speech.Step 4: Focus on completing each small task as it comes.

Preparation Anxiety

May cause overwhelming feelings about the amount of time and effort required to write and plan a speech

May be caused by difficulty in locating materials or information needed for speech

Can be averted by working on your speech a short session each day rather than several hours on the same day

Pre-performance & Performance Anxiety Plan time to practice! Practice many times! When anxiety occurs while practicing,

force yourself to practice again! No matter how much you practice, you will

probably experience some anxiety just before or just as you begin your speech.

If you’ll just keep going, the anxiety will subside.

Lenny Laskowski says…

PRIOR PROPER PREPARATION PREVENTS POOR PERFORMANCE OF THE PERSON PUTTING ON THE PRESENTATION!

Try saying that 3 times!

Chapter 3 Key Terms for Reviewpublic speaking anxiety (PSA)pre-preparation anxietypreparation anxietypre-performance anxietyperformance anxietyvisualization