Lecture 2: Let's Talk About Public Speaking Nervousness

Question 1

What were the studies found from James McCroskey on public speaking ?

Answer 1

He surveyed and studied college students
data:
40% self report high anxiety
30% moderately high anxiety
20% moderate anxiety
5% moderately low anxiety
5% low anxiety

Question 2

What were the 3 common phases of anxiety proposed by Michael Motley?

Answer 2

1. Anticipation reaction (phase) -the nervousness or anxiety we feel before a speech begins
2. Confrontation reaction (phase) - when you first come up and face/confront your audience
3. Adaptation reaction (phase)- body will adapt to the confrontation

Question 3

How long does the nervousness and adaptation phase kick in during a presentation ?

Answer 3

30 sec- 1 minute

Question 4

Why would you want to be nervous and use it to our advantage?

Answer 4

If you keep your anxiety at a manageable level then you can channel it to or convert that adrenaline into positive energy (flight or <fight response) that primes you to do your best

Question 5

What is mantra used the communication field ?

Answer 5

“Don’t be victimized by your nervousness, be vitalized by it”

Question 6

What some of the top strategies to lower anxiety for public speaking ?

Answer 6

Positive Thinking - for every 1 negative thought replace with 5 positive thoughts

Putting time and care of research into speeches

Practice - practice speeches, avoid procrastination

Proper perspective - don’t of speech as performance but an opportunity to speak about important message
to listeners

Public speaking learning and doing - take time to learn structure and skills for more effective and successful public speaking