MENTAL ASPECTS OF SPEECH ANXIETY

The human mind is very powerful!! We’ve already talked about our ability to shape experiences by our attitude toward them. Our negative thoughts about giving a speech are represented by the term “Stinking Thinking” in our cycle of speech anxiety.

What are the thoughts or feelings you experience in a public speaking situation?

Take a moment to think about what you might experience when you’re given a speaking assignment or when you’re sitting there just prior to giving a speech.

We’ve tried to help you out by including a list of 20 of the thoughts that commonly occur to people in that situation. Read over the list and put a check by the ones with which you can identify. This list was created by typical students just like you - if you have a thought that does not appear on the list, feel free to add it to your personal list on your Personal Game Plan.

_____ What if they’re not interested in what I have to say?

_____ I wish I had practiced (or prepared) more.

_____ They’re going to see that my hands (or knees) are shaking.

_____ I’m afraid I’ll forget something or my mind will go blank.

_____ Everyone else will do better than me.

_____ My heart is pounding so loud I know everyone can hear it.

_____ What if I really mess up in front of these people I have to be with for the rest of the semester?

_____ Do I know what I’m talking about? 

_____ How can I get out of this?

_____ It seems like I can’t get enough air. 

_____ I hate giving speeches. 

_____ How can I make them understand me? 

_____ I’m going to sound stupid. 

_____ I’ve got to get an A (or pass or get a good grade).

_____ I know I’m going to talk too fast.

_____ My stomach doesn’t feel so good.

_____ I’m no good at this. I can’t so this.

_____ I don’t know how to begin.

_____ I think I’m going to faint.

_____ People will laugh or think less of me if I mess up.

NOW GO BACK THROUGH AND SELECT YOUR “TOP FIVE” LIST. SELECT FIVE THAT OCCUR TO YOU MOST OFTEN OR ARE THE MOST TROUBLING TO YOU. THESE SHOULD ALSO BE ITEMS THAT REPRESENT SOMETHING THAT YOU REALLY FEEL MIGHT ACTUALLY HAPPEN.

We’ve only asked you to select five to give us a focus for our work. Also, this is only one short speech and ALL of the things on your list could not possibly happen in one speech!

Go to your saved or printed Personal Game Plan and list your choices as your "Top Five" list of negative thoughts.

Now let's move to some mental tools