Communication Apprehension

Communication ApprehensionLecture #1Communication Apprehension (CA)An individual level of fear or anxiety associated with either real or anticipated communication with another person or persons.Stage frightIs this how you feel?

Supposed/Theoretical CausesExcessive ActivationInappropriate Cognitive ProcessingInadequate Communication SkillsExcessive ActivationGetting overly psyched upMoist palms, faster heartbeat, butterflies in stomach, dry mouth, shaking, voice quiversCompletely Normal15-20% have more severe symptoms (nausea, loss of memory, shortness of breath)Inappropriate Cognitive ProcessingFeeling terrified rather than excitedPerception versus realitySocietally nurtured fearTed Talk: Required Viewing

http://blog.ted.com/required-watching-for-any-ted-speaker-the-science-of-stage-fright/

InadequateCommunication SkillsLack of KnowledgeLack of ExperienceLack of Opportunity

Treatment ApproachesExcessive ActivationSystematic DesensitizationInappropriate Cognitive ProcessingCognitive RestructuringInadequate Communication SkillsSkills TrainingSystematic DesensitizationMeant to reduce the bodys physiological reactionTwo stepsDeep relaxationFocused muscle responseSuccess rate of 90%

Cognitive RestructuringNegativity is irrationalDevelop new and positive ideasIdentify negative statementsReplace with revisionsEmbrace your mantraCatch yourself cheating and correct

TED TALK on Mindfulness with Andy P.Skills TrainingWorks best when voluntaryIdentify specific target areas for improvementSeven StepsName particular problem area(s)Small skills make up larger skillsRealistic goalsWatch a modelDiscuss and understand the needPractice in safe environment with helpApply to real experienceYou may not be able to get rid of the butterflies, but at least you can get them flying in formation

AKA: Channel that Energy into an enthusiastic speechKEEP IN MIND:Even experienced, effective speakers and performers experience some communication apprehension. What differs is the mental label that we put on the experience. Effective speakers have learned to channel their bodys reactions, using the energy released by these physiological reactions to create animation and stage presence.Broadway or Busthttp://video.pbs.org/video/2272109001/How to Overcome Stage Fright - 6 Easy Stepshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFkPMRSHDJYStrategiesSelect a topic you know and enjoyStart preparing earlyTake care of yourselfVolunteer to go firstUse one of the following techniques5 mins. to go and in privateRag dollShoulders on paradeShake it outHorse LaughFacial ExercisesRag Doll

Shoulders on Parade

Shake it out

Big Yawn

Facial ExercisesExtreme vowelsFace ScrunchiesEyebrowsA E I O U Y1 min. to go and in publicTense all muscles (not face) and releaseBreathe deeply and exhale full and slowBe aware of your surroundingsThink of happy placeVisualize successDeep Breathing30 seconds = roughly 6 sets of Calm Breathing1) breath in 2,3,4,52) HOLD 2,3,43) breath our 2,3,4,54) HOLD 2,3,45) REPEATMost importantly the 5 Ps

PROPERPLANNINGPREVENTSPOORPERFORMANCETED TALK by Amy Cuddy on helpful body language habits in preparing to do things that normally make us nervous