In many surveys, it’s the number 1 fear of American adults, ranking ahead of snakes, heights, and even death.
It goes by many names
stage fright, communication apprehension, and the one
we’ll use , speech anxiety.
Experiencing
speech anxiety does not mean that you can’t be an effective speaker.
In
fact, some of the most effective speakers and professional actors report high
levels of anxiety.
Speech
anxiety is not entirely negative.
As
you’ll find out in the Physical Aspects section, speech anxiety can be used in
a positive way to give you the energy to be a dynamic, effective speaker.
Two
really important definitions
Anxiety – the
anticipation of a situation that is perceived as threatening
Speech anxiety – the
fear or anxiety associated with real or anticipated communication with others
Speech anxiety is a direct
function of our PERCEPTION of the situation. The good news is –
Hey!
Perceptions can change!!
(Remember
your first negative impressions of
someone
who is now your best friend?)
Speech
anxiety is part of a cycle
|
We’ll be talking about all of the items in the cycle except one – and it is potentially the most
dangerous.
Is
it our physical reaction? No, there are no verified reports of anyone actually
perishing from speech anxiety.
Is
it our negative thoughts (“stinking thinking”)? No, negative thoughts are
powerful but we’ll talk about how to change those.
The answer – avoidance. Speech anxiety causes people to avoid the one thing that can help them the most – experience.
Some
people avoid certain jobs if they involve public speaking.
Others
turn down promotions which require giving presentations.
Believe
it or not, students have been known to choose their majors based or whether or
not a course in public speaking is required.
You CAN learn
to control it!