Chapter 3.1 Communication Apprehension Notes

Communication Apprehension

Definition of Communication Apprehension

• Communication apprehension is the fear or anxiety associated with real or anticipated communication with others.
• It's a psychological response to evaluation, triggering physical reactions.

Physiological Symptoms of Communication Apprehension

• Physical Sensations:
  • Heart pounding.
  • Clammy hands.
  • Sweating.
  • Stomach butterflies or nausea.
  • Shaking hands and legs.
  • Voice quivering.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Rapid breathing.
  • Dizziness.
• These symptoms arise because the body prepares for a fight-or-flight response, even though the threat is psychological rather than physical.
• The body's circulatory and adrenal systems shift into overdrive.
• Increased circulation and breathing provide more oxygen to muscles, causing sweating and trembling if you remain immobile.
• Digestive processes are inhibited, causing butterflies in the stomach.
• Understanding these physiological responses can help in managing and channeling them constructively.
• Any emotional state, including anxiety or excitement, comprises a primary reaction of the central nervous system and an intellectual interpretation of these responses.
• Effective speakers channel physiological reactions to create animation and stage presence.

Myths About Communication Apprehension

• Myth 1: People who suffer from speaking anxiety are neurotic.
  • Speaking anxiety is a normal reaction, experienced by both good and poor speakers.
  • Even experienced speakers like Winston Churchill experienced physical illness before major speeches.
• Myth 2: Telling a joke or two is always a good way to begin a speech.
  • Humor is difficult to deliver effectively due to timing requirements and potential to offend.
  • If using humor, ensure the joke is on you and avoid pausing for a laugh.
• Myth 3: Imagine the audience is naked.
  • This often doesn't work and can misdirect focus from the real audience.
• Myth 4: Any mistake means that you have blown it.
  • Mistakes happen; recovery is what matters.
• Myth 5: Avoid speaking anxiety by writing your speech out word for word and memorizing it.
  • Memorizing can increase apprehension and make delivery seem canned.
  • Focus on remembering main points rather than a script.
• Myth 6: Audiences are out to get you.
  • Audiences are generally empathetic and want you to succeed.
  • They identify with the speaker and hope for useful ideas.
• Myth 7: You will look to the audience as nervous as you feel.
  • Empirical research shows that audiences perceive less nervousness than speakers report.
  • Don't apologize for nerves, as the audience might not notice.
• Myth 8: A little nervousness helps you give a better speech.
  • True; nervousness can channel extra energy into the performance.
  • Professional speakers rely on this heightened arousal.

Key Takeaways

• Communication apprehension is the fear of being evaluated by others.
• Some anxiety is normal.
• The perceived psychological threat leads to physiological changes.
• Many conventional tips for managing stage fright are misleading.