Unit 2: Speaking Confidently
Unfortunately, understanding the anxiety which you may experience about public speaking does not necessarily help to alleviate it. However, as this unit of the course emphasizes, recognizing how your anxiety manifests itself in your behavior and then being able to try out a few recommendations for managing it can at least make you feel more empowered to carry on regardless. This unit will explore what is communication apprehension, where it comes from, and suggestions and tips on how it can be minimized.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 5 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- list some physiological symptoms of communication apprehension;
- identify misconceptions about communication anxiety;
- contrast the four types of communication apprehension;
- select ways to eliminate causes of communication apprehension in specific contexts;
- describe steps to manage anxiety in the speech preparation process;
- identify effective techniques for coping with anxiety and stress before and during a presentation; and
- suggest strategies for dealing with unexpected events during a public speech.
2.1: What is Communication Apprehension?
Read the Chapter 3 introduction and Section 3.1. These sections point out that apprehension is the most frequently mentioned reason why people do not like to speak publicly. Focus on how to distinguish apprehension from anxiety. Review the takeaways and complete the exercises at the end of the section.
Watch this collection of short videos, which focus on defining and coping with communication apprehension and speech anxiety (stage fright). These videos address students' common concerns with presenting speeches in classes and in making presentations in work situations.
2.2: Sources of Communication Apprehension
Read section 3.2, which identifies several types of communication apprehension and what causes them. Attempt the exercise at the end of the section to get a sense of where your public speaking apprehension may come from.
2.3: Reducing Communication Apprehension
This section identifies several strategies for reducing communication apprehension. Once you have identified what makes you apprehensive about speaking in public, you can practice these strategies to reduce that apprehension and become more successful. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.
2.4: Coping with the Unexpected
Read section 3.4, which discusses some common difficulties speakers face. You should prepare for these to increase your chances for success. Knowing what things are likely to happen when you are speaking can also help alleviate your concerns. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.
2.5: Unit 2 Exercises
Do you think statements about communication apprehension are myths or facts? Check yourself by completing these exercises.