Public Speaking Exam 1 - Ch. 3 notes

glossophobia

perceived fear or anxiety associated with a speakers actual or anticipated communication to an audience

causes:

not giving speeches often

unpleasant past experiences

feeling different or self-conscious

being center of attention

fear no one is interested

fear of messing up

lack of audience engagement

levels of anxiety

most people have high levels of anxiety related to public speaking (40%) and only 5% of people experience low public speaking anxiety

• 90% of the population fells moderate to high anxiety about giving a public speech

Nervousness is normal

speaking anxiety is

normal

natural

desirable (it shows you care)

• if you channel it correctly, you may be able to better your performance, like athletes do

• the goal is never to eliminate nerves, but figure out how to make them work the best for you

speaking anxiety = fight or flight response

• nervousness is made up of energy and adrenaline, coming together and making us feel as though we need to run away from the situation, but we can’t

• it is the same threat as a bear chasing us

3 phases of anxiety

1. before speech

2. during speech

3. after speech

strategies to reduce speaking anxiety

1. Identify the cause of anxiety

2. know that anxiety is normal for everyone

3. audiences only notice what we reveal or make a big deal about (you are your worst critic)

4. dress up

5. picture speeches as a communication orientation and not witha formal performane orientation

6. visulize yourself giving your best speech

Habituation

the more speeches you give, the easier it gets and confidence builds

use positive self talk

turning negative thoughts into positive ones

• negative thoughts = high anxiety

• positive thoughts = low anxiety

cognitive restructuring

training your mind to think in a more positive way about something make you less anxious, close eyes and visualize a series of feelings and actions to occur on day of speech.

techniques to combat fight or flight response

1. relax

2. briefly meditate

3. use stressed controlled breathing (help relax our breathing)

4. use movement as a way to burn extra adrenaline