Chapter 2 - Speech Anxiety Flashcards
What is speech anxiety and what triggers it?
It is the fear of public speaking (even experienced speakers get some speech anxiety) that is triggered by the body’’s fight or flight response.
What is the fight or flight response?
The hormone systems in the body put all non-essential functions on hold and put entire systems on stand by for a possible life threatening event. Common side effects include sweating, shaking, twitching, increased heart rate, dry mouth, and hoarse voice.
What are the types of speech anxiety and how do they work?
Dysfunctional: The fight/flight response is not kept in check, often becoming so intense that the speaker falls apart.
Functional: Fight/Flight response is kept in check, tackling it to low levels, using the endocrine induced panic as a way to make the speech better and more enthusiastic.
What are some reasons why people become dysfunctional?
They fear failure, are perfectionists, want complete approval, panic at uncertainty, cannot stand being conspicuous, and forget that transparency is an illusion.
How do people go about managing speech anxiety?
Practicing a speech is the best way to prepare. Knowing your topic is only half of what you need to know. Become your topic and be rational with your expectations of how the speech will go. Remember it is not a competition, but rather a performance to show how much you know.
What is the illusion of transparency?
It is the vicious cycle where people believe that everyone can see their current inner state of being. For example, they can see that I am super nervous and will make fun of me. It is important to remember that this is completely false and most of the time is not noticeable in a person’s speech.
What are some ways to combat anxiety during a speech?
Knowing the 4 stages of expectation helps.
Anticipation - Before the speech, typically moderate to severe anxiety.
Confrontation - When you are about to start your speech. Typically anxiety is highest at this point.
Adaptation - After a small amount of time into a speech, the speaker relaxes and becomes more clear and collect.
Release - After the speech ends, the anxiety disappears and most of the time is met by an afterglow.
What is Communications Orientation and why is it important?
It is where a speaker is clear and concise about what they are going to talk about. It helps the audience understand exactly what you are going to talk about and tends to pull them into your speech.
What are some other techniques for managing speech anxiety?
Use coping statements, visualize success, use relaxation techniques, and desensitize yourself in regards to the things that you must face.
