Communication Apprehension

Communication Apprehension: Individual level of fear or anxiety associated with either real or anticipated communication with another person or persons

Anxiety usually happens before a presentation

Sometimes, public speaking isn’t the only thing people get nervous about → could be for small groups

Speaking Anxiety: Causes

  • Anxiety is normal

  • Internal and external causes

  • Overthinking, stress, anxiety

  • Audience, noise, distractions

Speaking Anxiety: Consequences

  • Physical Anxiety: sweaty palms, redness, shakiness, etc…

  • Emotional Anxiety: mental blanks, self-confidence

  • Various impressions

Speaking Anxiety: Management

How can you manage your anxiety for presentations?

  1. Before presentation

  2. During presentation

  3. After presentation

Before the Speech

  • Don’t procrastinate

  • Know your audience

  • Practice and prepare

  • Visualize success

During Speech

  • Focus on content

  • Look for supportive audience members

  • Most audience members will not know how nervous you are

After Speech

  • Reflect on positives

  • Make a plan to improve

  • Seek other speaking opportunities