SPEECH LAB ONLINE | HOME | BELMONT UNIVERSITY

DEALING WITH SPEECH ANXIETY

When you think about giving a speech…

do your hands shake?

are you short of breath?

do you have a dry mouth, red face or butterflies in the stomach?

You aren’t alone! Most of us experience mild to moderate speech anxiety.

Research tells us that…

· speech training (i.e., this class) will help decrease your anxiety

· your fear depends on how much you care about what you’re saying--the more passionate you are about your speech purpose, the less fear you will experience.

· you see and feel your fear much more than we do.

· fear of public speaking is not statistically related to performance (in fact, students with higher apprehension tend to do a bit better grades on their speeches!)

*(to read more in this line of research, see Communication Education)

Coping strategies:

· Talk yourself out of fallacies – You don’t have to have 100% approval from your audience, and you don’t have to give an “um-less” speech. There is no such thing as a flawless speech.

· Physical relaxation will decrease psychological tension. Exercise on the morning you have to speak or take a walk around the building before coming to class.

· Know your symptoms and prepare accordingly. If your hands shake, don’t take up flimsy note cards. If your mouth gets dry, take up a bottle of water.

· Preparation is key. Practice your speech 10 times out loud with a timer and mirror. If possible, practice in the room where you will be speaking—it will help you get used to the setting. Practicing in front of actual people will help you get used to eye contact.

· Focus on your message, not on giving your speech. Pick topics about which you are passionate. Get into the message, and the “giving a speech” part will diminish.

· Learn from experience – read the feedback on your speeches carefully and use it to improve. The more you do this, the easier it becomes!

· Positive Imagery – Athletes use visualization to improve their performance. Likewise, you can visualize yourself giving a great speech, wowing the audience, and accomplishing your speaking purpose. Communication apprehension is somewhat of a mind game. Control that imagination for your benefit!