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Com. St. 11 – Notes for Chapter 2 Understanding and Reducing Your Apprehension Speech Anxiety is Common Researchers from a 1986 study found that public speaking was the number 1 fear. Research into Stress and Communication Apprehension Hans Selye famous research into stress reduction (1936) identified the stages known as general adaptation syndrome. Alarm Reaction – is the physical call to arms for the body to release various chemicals in response to the fight-or-flight situation. Physical Symptons of Nervousness: Increased heart rate Thickening speech due to decreased flow of saliva Butterflies in the stomach Increased sweating Tiredness or yawning Jumpiness or jitterness Tightening of muscles Shaky hands and legs, twitching in some muscles Extra shot of adrenaline Resistance Stage – reduces the general physiological alarms and channels energy to those organs that are most capable of handling the tension. The body stabilizes, maintains itself and begins to adapt to the stress. Phase of Exhaustion – the body systems that were summoned to cope with the stress are depleted. People who are under severe chronic pressure can develop ulcers, hypertension, and heart disease. McCroskey coined the term communication apprehension to describe an individual’s anxiety. 20% of college students experience high anxiety regarding public speaking. Apprehension is circular – it feeds on itself and defeats your growth. Lower communication apprehension through behavior modification techniques known as systematic desensitization. Reducing Communication Apprehension

Accept anxiety honestly and face it – most are irrational fears and have no basis Ellis and Harper refer to the dread of the future as the concept of awfullizing. These fears usually have no basis. Develop a Positive Attitude Replace negative self-talk with positive self-talk Adopt Constructive Behaviors Do something! Maintain a Health Body Exercise can help us to relax and reduce stress. Learn to relax naturally rather than chemically. To speak clearly you need a clear head. Be Thoroughly Prepared Work on every aspect of the speech as much as you can – the research, the outline, and the delivery. Careful research, clear organization, and a prepared delivery will help you to build confidence and security in each speaking assignment. Reward Yourself Do something nice for yourself if you’ve worked hard and deserve it. Let Go of Mistakes Don’t dwell on the past or on your failure – just try not to repeat them. Accept Constructive Criticism Allow yourself to hear and absorb constructive criticism. Criticism is meant to promote success and to help you overcome failure.