Speaking with Confidence: SPEECH ANXIETY


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GHUM 1025

Speaking with Confidence

Coping with Speech Anxiety

WHAT IS THE FIRST FEELING YOU GET WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT GIVING A SPEECH?

WHY CAN YOU SPEAK EASILY IN FRONT OF A FEW FRIENDS BUT FIND IT DIFFICULT TO SPEAK IN FRONT OF LARGE AUDIENCE?

TYPES OF STRESS

	nervousness shows that you care about what you are doing
	we need to channel energy into the speech
	stress is only a problem when out of control

1. Baseline Stress

	baseline stress is the average stress level at any given time
	with practice baseline stress can be modified
	how can it be modified?-- through biofeedback, change in diet, sleep patterns and preparation techniques

2. Critical Stress

	critical stress is part of baseline stress
	critical stress is fixed point at which apprehension causes performance to suffer

3. Trait Anxiety and State Anxiety

	trait anxiety means fear that we do not have the "right stuff," fear that we lack the correct abilities to be effective public speakers.
	state anxiety means fear of "being in that state," fear of being in the position and location in which we are required to perform a given activity (like public speaking).

SPEECH ANXIETY FACTORS

1. The Audience

	our culture tends to link good articulation to intelligence
	generally, we are more relaxed in front of a few
	why?-- the stakes are lower
	*you have to shift from thinking of failure in front of a large group to envisioning success* in front of many**
	the makeup of an audience is important-- how well do you know them?
	we believe that friends are more receptive and more supportive. The truth is that, really, everyone wants you to do well. Most people are truly supportive.
	remember... most audiences are friendly

2. The Subject

	the better you know the subject, the more interest you will have in it.
	speak about subjects that you are passionate about-- your loves, your dislikes, your desires.
	the more passionate you are, the less you will have to depend on notes.
	practice-- you must understand the subject and be knowledgeable about it.
	aim to present in an interesting/comprehensible way.
	pitch contents to the level of your audience... don't go over people's heads, even if you're an expert in something.
	pick subjects that are of interest to your audience.
	*remember... if you* are not interested, your audience will be even less interested**

3. The Speaker

	making mistakes is part of learning.
	speaking is a collection of skills that can be learned... we are not born speakers. Even Dr. King practiced his skills daily.
	remember... you are your own harshest critic.
	adopt a positive attitude--Kreskin
	an audience prefers speakers who are human, naturally spontaneous.

Speech Anxiety Symptoms

Fight or Flight Response

	adrenaline and/or epinephrine are released to the bloodstream.
	result: it speeds up the heart-- it raises Blood Pressure, resulting in outward evidence of stress.
	after assessing a situation, you will quickly choose Fight or Flight.
	if you choose flight, you will speed through.
	if you choose fight, you may struggle with every word, and speak even more slowly.
	instead, choose a third option-- accept task, but with neither response... just a positive attitude.

Physiological Responses

	Blushing
	Perspiring
	Dry Mouth
	Shivering
	Hyperventilating--you need more O2, and thus, get dizzy
	Stuttering/Stammering--caused by breathing patterns
	Butterflies/Fidgeting
	Disorganization, Memory Loss, and Disorientation

CONTROLLING SPEECH ANXIETY

Alleviation of Anxiety:

	Types of Anxiety: trait anxiety (fear that we do not have the abilities needed for public speaking) & state anxiety (fear of being in front of people... fear of being in the situation/place where one speaks).
	Practice...practice, practice: alleviation of fear through progressive daily and weekly desensitization.
	Visualization: practicing in the mind's eye.
	Cognitive Psychology: positive and negative affirmations... the reprogramming of the brain's computer. Do the exercise in which you record, on a split sheet of paper, your inner "tapes," the negative and positive affirmations you give yourself. You cannot eliminate these voices unless you go through the important process of identifying them.
	Mentors: who do you admire the most? A famous person, a family member, or a beloved teacher can inspire us and help us to feel more comfortable and more safe when we are under stress.
	Dress appropriately: know what your audience will be wearing, and model them. Dress the same way as your listeners.
	Breathing: correct breathing is focused in the diaphragm, a muscular shield in the lower abdomen. Effective projection of the voice is possible only through correct diaphragmatic breathing.
	Exercise: any good public speaker will recommend adopting an exercise regime that strengthens the diaphragm and improves overall cardiovascular fitness.
	Meditation: mindfulness is essential to building the kind of mental focus required to do extended public speeches. As there are many things to remember, mental strength and discipline must be gradually built up and fortified. The practice of some form of meditation is highly recommended. This will also condition the mind to be comfortable with the feelings of peace and tranquility.

In addition:

	learn to control the physical and emotional factors--don't avoid the problem. Understand which of the alleviators of anxiety (listed above) are physical factors and which ones are emotional factors. Learn to distinguish between the two. Learn the science of understanding why we fear speaking and how best to overcome the fear.
	the way to get over a fear: to face the fear and find that no negative consequences follow the perceived fear.

1. CONTROL OF PHYSICAL FACTORS

Dress

Dress appropriately/comfortably

audience will be more receptive if you are comfortable with self

Exercise

do light exercise to relieve stress

Biofeedback

control normally involuntary process by making them evident through concentration and meditation

Familiarity with Audience

	get to know them--who are they? what do they like/dislike? what interests them?
	Here, they are your classmates--they are on your side!!

Breathing and Delivery Techniques

	practice breathing techniques
	practice speaking in front of a mirror
	don't forget to breathe--you don't have to say your speech all in one breath!

Remembering your speech--Mnemonic Devices and LARGE notes

	use symbols, words, phrases, and anagrams to remember key points.
	there is nothing more boring than watching someone stare at a page and read.
	*It's about IDEAS* not WORDS-- your notes must never be composed in full sentences.**
	Never memorize a speech.
	Create LARGE notes that can be seen at a distance.

2. CONTROL OVER EMOTIONAL FACTORS

Preparation

	self doubt is the enemy.
	rehearsal: try out your speech a number of times on friends and family.
	know your material... don't just memorize it... understand it.

Visualization

	mentally run through the speech in your mind's eye.
	anticipate any problem parts.
	see the success.
	reward yourself.

Audience Desensitization

	begin practicing the speech with one person in room.
	gradually, add more people.

Systematic Desensitization

	relax various muscles, then visualize increasingly challenging speaking situations
	visualize... until success.

Videotape

	even better than a mirror is the video camera.
	playback and look for things to improve.

Confront Anxieties

what is worst that could happen? (We like you! We are rooting for you).

PLEASE NOTE:

Information on this 'Speaking With Confidence' portion of the 'Big Ideas Inc' site is authorized for use only by the students of this course. Students have permission to copy any of the content. For copyright information of the linked sites please see the respective authors.

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