Chapter Four

Managing Speech Anxiety

Chapter Four

Table of ContentsWhat Causes Public Speaking

Anxiety?Pinpointing the Onset of PSAStrategies for Getting Started with

Confidence*

Managing Speech Anxiety

The difference between seasoned public speakers and inexperienced speakers is that seasoned speakers are more practiced at making speech anxiety work for, and not against, them.*

What Causes Public Speaking Anxiety?

Researchers have identified several causes for public speaking anxiety (PSA), or the fear associated with either actual or anticipated communication to an audience as a speaker.*

What Causes Public Speaking Anxiety?

Lack of ExperienceFeeling DifferentBeing the Center of Attention*

What Causes Public Speaking Anxiety?

Lack of Experience

Anxiety is a natural reaction to new experiences.

Those who decide to avoid making speeches altogether lose out on speechmaking’s considerable rewards.*

What Causes Public Speaking Anxiety?

Feeling Different

Despite people’s differences, almost everyone experiences nervousness about giving a speech.

Novice speakers become anxious because they worry that being unique also means being inferior, but everyone is different.*

What Causes Public Speaking Anxiety?

Being the Center of Attention

You see yourself more critically than the audience does.

When listeners seem to be not paying attention, we think we must be doing something wrong—but in fact, audiences notice little about us that we don’t want to reveal.*

Pinpointing the Onset of Public Speaking Anxiety

The onset of PSA can occur at different times during the speechmaking process; for some people it arises as soon as they first learn they are to give a speech, for others it arises as they approach the podium.*

Pinpointing the Onset of Public Speaking Anxiety

Pre-Preparation AnxietyPreparation AnxietyPre-Performance AnxietyPerformance Anxiety*

Pinpointing the Onset of Public Speaking Anxiety:

Pre-Preparation Anxiety

Those who experience pre-preparation anxiety, or an anxiety the minute they know they will be giving a speech, may be reluctant to begin planning, or so preoccupied that vital information is missed.*

Pinpointing the Onset of Public Speaking Anxiety:

Preparation Anxiety

Those who experience preparation anxiety feel anxious only when they begin to prepare, feeling overwhelmed by the amount of time and planning that is required.*

Pinpointing the Onset of Public Speaking Anxiety:

Pre-Performance Anxiety

Pre-performance anxiety occurs when people rehearse their speech. They may realize their ideas don’t sound as focused or interesting as they should.*

Pinpointing the Onset of Public Speaking Anxiety:

Performance Anxiety

The majority of people experience performance anxiety, or anxiety just before speaking begins; this is usually most pronounced during the introduction phase of the speech.*

Strategies for Getting Started with Confidence

The surest route to gaining confidence is through preparation and practice.*

Strategies For Getting Started With Confidence

Prepare and Practice Modify Thoughts and AttitudesVisualize SuccessUse Relaxation TechniquesDepersonalize the Speech

EvaluationSeek Pleasure in the Occasion*

Strategies for Getting Started With Confidence:

Prepare and Practice

If you are confident that you know the material you are to present and have adequately rehearsed the delivery, you’ll feel more confident at the podium.*

Strategies for Getting Started With Confidence:

Modify Thoughts And Attitudes

Regard your speech as a valuable, worthwhile, and challenging activity.

Remind yourself why public speaking is helpful personally, socially, and professionally.

View public speaking as an opportunity, not a threat.*

Strategies for Getting Started With Confidence:

Visualize Success

VisualizingA process (in the context of public speaking)

of mentally seeing a series of positive feelings and reactions that will occur on the day of the speech*

Strategies for Getting Started With Confidence:

Use Relaxation Techniques

Stress-Control BreathingA form of breathing in which the center of

breathing is felt on the stomach rather than on the chest

Stage OneInhale air and let your abdomen go out.

Exhale air and let your abdomen go in.Stage Two

As you inhale, use a soothing word such as “calm” or “relax.”*

Strategies for Getting Started With Confidence:

Use Relaxation Techniques

Practice some controlled, natural gestures that might be useful in enhancing your speech, such as holding up your index finger when starting your first main point.*

Strategies for Getting Started With Confidence:

Use Relaxation Techniques

Walk around as you make some of your points, instead of standing behind the podium the entire time.

Movement relieves tension, and it helps to hold the audience’s attention.*

Strategies for Getting Started With Confidence:

Depersonalize The SpeechEvaluation

Your concern as a speaker should be with your message, not yourself.This will help to lessen your anxiety about

presenting the speech.It reminds you of your speech purpose.

Think of your speech as a conversation instead of a performance.*

Strategies for Getting Started With Confidence:

Seek Pleasure in the Occasion

Giving a speech can be satisfying and empowering.

If you prepare and practice, keep a positive attitude, make stress work for you, and visualize success, public speaking can be challenging and exciting.*