Chapter 11 notes: Speaking With Confidence

Communication Apprehension (CA)

The fear or anxiety experienced in communication situations, which can be inherent or a result of experiences.

Trait Anxiety

A type of anxiety related to an individual’s personality

Ex. People who would call themselves “shy” often seek to avoid interaction with others because they are uncertain of how they will be perceived

State Anxiety

Anxiety that arises from external situations, often related to the fear of scrutiny and negative evaluation.

Scrutiny Fear

Fear of being watched or observed, occurring even in situations not involving direct interaction.

Frame of Reference

The context or viewpoint within which a person's perception and thinking occur, influencing their responses to events.

Habitual frame of reference

a combination of personal experiences and what has been witnessed

Students will often worry more about their grade rather than what is contained in their presentation.

ex. The act of public speaking takes on the pressure of taking a final exam with everyone watching

Personal Frame of reference

We should approach activities with a positive attitude to achieve success even if we are afraid to do the activity

Cognitive Restructuring (CR)

An internal process to adjust perceptions about an action or experience, comprising three steps: identifying thoughts, recognizing inconsistencies between perception and reality, and replacing destructive thinking with supportive thinking.

Learning Confidence

The gradual building of confidence through practices such as Cognitive Restructuring.

Visual Success

The technique of visualizing oneself presenting confidently to build assurance in public speaking.

Avoid Gimmicks

Practicing in a mirror does not work it is just a distraction

Same with picture everyone naked

Breathe and Release

A systematic desensitization technique involving visualization and relaxation to alleviate speech anxiety.

Minimize what you memorize

There is stress that is a distraction when you try to memorize words

Practice Outloud

The practice method involving vocalizing the entire speech to gauge flow and estimate length effectively.