Understanding The Nature Of Speech Anxiety

  • Common

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

Notice that it wasn’t defined as

Speech anxiety – having your knees shake as you stand up to give a speech

  • 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

speech anxiety 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.

Don’t let speech anxiety control YOU!You CAN learn to control it!

Let’s start by looking at  Your Personal Game Plan . . .