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Study on factors of public speaking anxiety
Public speaking study guide
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How has public speaking become so feared? “In a study [of 9,000 people] that concentrated on fears in a social situation, their top ranking fears were public speaking, speaking up in class, meeting new people, talking to people of authority, important exams or interviews, going to parties and talking to strangers”(Lucas, 2012, pg. 9). This question has always perplexed me, because I too suffer from a fear of speaking in public. But after reading chapter one of The Art of Public Speaking, I understand now that it is a blend of different subjects that make public speaking seem so unappealing. Stephen Lucas opens this chapter on the power of public speaking, by saying “Throughout history people have used public speaking as a vital means of …show more content…
Lucas devotes a section of chapter one to talking about the history of public speaking stating that every culture has some word equivalent of the word speaker. Lucas then goes on to tell the similarities and differences between public speaking and conversation. Stephan Lucas then goes on to explains in this chapter that nervousness and stage fright are among the leading causes for the fear of public speaking. But he then assures us that nervousness is normal, and a welcomed part of speech giving. Lucas proves his point by saying, “If you feel nervous about giving a speech, you are in very good company. Some of the greatest public speakers in history have suffered from stage fright, including Abraham Lincoln, Margaret Sanger, and Winston Churchill” (Lucas, 2012 pg. 9). Lucas says that you should not run from your nervousness, but instead try to turn it into a positive nervousness. Lucas then goes on to give six ways to turn the negative nervousness into positive nervousness. They are acquiring speaking experience, preparation, positive thinking, visualization, realizing you’re nervousness isn’t visible and not expecting perfection. Now that Lucas has touched on the history, fears, and possible rewards of public …show more content…
In today’s world students and adults who can use the power of public speaking are a rare find. Lucas states in chapter one that “the American Management Association asked 2,000 managers and executives to rank the skills most essential in today’s workplace. The top idea, was communication skills” (Lucas, 2012 pg. 5). This statement showes us that college students who have taking public speaking truly have an advantage over those who have
One of the biggest fears I have had to overcome in high school is my fear of public speaking. I was always comfortable in the classroom; I loved discussing current events and explaining different biology and history to my friends, but I could not stand in front of them to give a presentation. Whenever I stood in front of my classmate speak, I would begin to shake so much that I could not read any notes I may have brought up with me. I was an absolute wreck and I hated that I could not overcome my phobia; however, my fear of public speaking is incredibly ironic because my sister teaches public speaking on a collegiate level. When I told my sister that I was horrified of standing up and speaking in front of my classmates, she was surprised. My sister told me that I could not let my fear stop me from speaking because I would likely never get over it. In addition, she
After reviewing my speeches back to back, I realized that my public speaking skills have evolved dramatically. While I would like to have changes to my projects if I had the ability to time travel, but overall I am more than satisfied with my progression in public speaking. My level of listenability is still not flawless, but with some more practice and time I am confident that I could become a decent public speaker. Whether I will do anything as a public speaker is yet to be determined, but I do know that I walked into this class with the simple expectation to acquire my honor credits, but was fortunate enough to part with experience that will be applied to the rest of both my academic and occupational careers.
Over the recent four months in Communication 1402 class, I have addressed three formal speechs and completed a number of chapters in the corresponding textbook “Communication Works”. This course of Communication aims to provide general information what public speaking is and how to address a public speaking. Recalling back the experience during the processes of completing the Speech to Imform, Speech to Persuade, and Group Presentation, I will draw a conclusion about this course and these three presentations in five aspects, comprising my previous perception of public speaking before this course; learning from the Speech to Inform; the goal and evaluation of Speech to Persuade; learning from the Group Presentation; the most important thing learned from this course.
Main Point 1: There are three main categories of phobias. The first category is Specific Phobias which are known as simple phobias. Specific phobias or simple phobias are usually fears about specific situations, living creatures, places, activities, or things. Examples of simple phobias is dentophobia (dentists), aerophobia (flying), claustrophobia (small spaces), and acrophobia (heights). The other two categories are Social Phobia and Agoraphobia. These two are known as complex phobias. The article “What is a Phobia?”, describes them as complex phobias because “they are linked to deep-rooted fear or anxiety about certain situations, incidents or circumstances, which make them more disabling than simple phobias.” Social phobia is also referred to as social anxiety disorder. Social phobia may be defined in which a person has an excessive and unreasonable fear of social situations. (Webmd.com) A person with social phobia finds being in social situations very difficult to handle with because of the lack of social skills or experiences that person may have. Going out to social events such as parties or functions may cause anxiety to a person with social phobia. There is that fear a person has of being embarrassed in public. People with this phobia may be afraid of a specific situation such as public speaking. Medicinenet.com defines “agoraphobia” as “a fear of being outside or otherwise being in a situation from which one either cannot escape or from which escaping would be difficult or humiliating.” The results of agoraphobia are anxiety and panic attacks. People with agoraphobia sometimes confine themselves inside their own home when symptoms are
There are safe audiences and dangerous audiences. Safe audiences allow for you to put words out more easily and openly while dangerous audiences can inhibit what you choose to say. With dangerous audiences we may tend to adopt a tone of voice that is not our own, to make ourselves sound more knowledgeable or up to their level of knowledge. By doing this, we run the possibility of leaving out important information or chattering away nervously with
I have also learned about different types of audiences and speeches including persuasive, informative, entertaining and delivering special occasion speeches. It came to my attention that whenever I was making these presentations or speeches, I needed to do so with confidence, consistence and practice before the actual presentation and completely eliminate the element of panic. It was also clear that capturing the attention of the audience and engaging them in the whole process, it was necessary to have a very strong introduction and also try and use visuals to deliver the message. It was therefore vital to respect each person’s diversity and cultural values (Lucas, 2011).
Public Speaking has to be one of my biggest fears since I started college. I do not honestly, fully understand why it terrifies me. During Public Speaking this semester, I hope to figure out why I fear speaking in front of large groups of people. I hope to overcome the stress and anxiety that comes along with speaking in front of an audience. After reading the Dwyer book this semester it helped me realize some reasons why I fear public speaking and how to overcome some of the stressors. My main goal this year is to move past my fear and overcome the feeling I get when having to speak in front of the class. I say this because I want to be an elementary teacher and the fear of public speaking will not help me succeed in my dream of becoming
Public speaking is one of the most under rated skills learned in school, yet is one of the most valuable. The way you communicate shows a lot about you, and can influence other’s opinions of you. In every profession communicatiis important. Good communication skills, no matter what you plan to do in life, will help you out greatly and improve your chances against a harsh job market. I am majoring in Business Administration and Law, and communication is one of the biggest parts of business and law, yet communication is hardly ever taught in business classes for my major. I think that a communications class like public speaking, for example, should be not just for a college class, but taught in high school and middle school as well. I believe several classes would allow anyone to become an expert speaking. The only way to fully learn public speaking is to get up in front of people and talk to them. One can not learn public speaking from a book.
My public speaking class has already enhanced my knowledge and my ability to give speeches greatly. I know that with time and experience in public speaking, I will become a more skilled and professional public speaker. I will be sharing my first thoughts about my public speaking class, my strengths and weaknesses as a speaker, the speech I am most proud of so far, the speech that was the most difficult so far, and areas I know I need to improve on in order to be a skilled public speaker. Although I have had previous engagements with public speaking in high and middle school, none can be compared to the nervousness I felt about speaking in college level classes.
This disorder is also more common than one might think, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America says that “about 15 million American adults have social anxiety disorder (ADAA, 2010-14).” This means that 15 million American adults are suffering from extreme anxiety (both mentally and physically) from daily activities. Social anxiety however is something that many people no do not know about and pass as shyness. This can be especially hard for people brought up in a western culture society; aggression, socialization and communication are very important in the job field and are promoted as key characteristics to moving up in society. But in a very well-known American survey “The 14 worst human fears: of 3,000 people surveyed” public speaking was ranked as number one with 41% rating. This outranked death, heights, and financial problems (TMvision). So how easy is it for most people to “buck up” from their shyness and show their key characteristics as society pressures people to? According to this survey, not very easy at all; for some people with social anxiety (without treatment) it can be something that is never achie...
Public speaking will always be one of my biggest weaknesses in my life. It’s not the fear of a one sided conversation, it’s the public spot light. Over time I have learned to control this fear. I personally believe there are 3 key characteristics that are essential to effective communication; the first is having a clear, concise message. People need to understand what you are saying with little to no struggle on their behalf. This is the main point of a speech, you have something to say to me, I will listen to your message. The second characteristic is adherence to the facts; you must know the actualities about what you are talking about. Without knowing the facts, your message is not trusted, and you will lose your audience because
Before coming United States, I spent around 18 years going to school in China. I can say, in China, we do not or at least seldom do public speaking. What we do is mostly sitting down as listeners and hearing others do their presentation. In short, we, normal Chinese students, do not have the opportunity to give a speech. However, I guess I am one of the lucky people. I was selected as the compere for many big events. Even I was not giving an entire speech, I still had the chance of standing in front of many audience. So I think I will discuss this in this paper.
Through my educational and work experiences I have had plenty of practice with public speaking and it is an integral part of my life. It is pivotal to be successful in an organizational development process due to the importance of communication. I communicate on a daily basis with many people in my organization and with others externally. These people are lawyers, information system technicians and vendors who I must be able to get my point across in a precise method.
Like many, I can remember the time I stood in front of my classmates and recited a fourteen verse, Shakespeare poem. It was just hard to get over those uncontrollable pushes and pulls of nervousness when all eyes were on me. I could hear my shaky voice, the loud, off rhythm of my heartbeats, and the awkward silence. My eyes wandered around for some face to stare at before they found their comfortable position looking down at the floor. My hands squeezed one another tighter each time I paused to take a breath. That front stage experience wasn’t petrifying. It was just obvious that I was afraid of public speaking, and, unfortunately, I still am today. Speaking publically makes me feel uncomfortable, requires the delivery of personal opinion with the risk of harsh criticism, and is just one of those things I don’t like making a mistake in.
The way we communicate can be very important in representing ourselves in our community. In the beginning, of the semester, we watched a movie regarding a royal member whom was looked down upon because of his verbal pauses. However, throughout the movie he learns to work with his speaking style. He may have not completely eliminated the flaw but, he did learn how to overcome and adjust with it is style of public speaking. Public speaking is very power it as the authority to make an audience shock, upset, surprised, disbelief, and even to become inspired. By using structure in a speech and applying ethos, pathos, and logos can create a deeper connection to the audience. Therefore, the most impactful part of a speech is its introduction. Such that if the speaker implies a power attention getter they are able to deliver their message successfully. In my class presentation, the times I won speaker of the day I noticed that within my speech the only reason why I was selected was because I provided a strong attention getter and because my voice was very loud and it had minimal of verbal pauses. I have learned that any speech can be delivered successfully when the elements of structure and practiced are present. For most of my presentation to prepare I would practice my speech by recording myself with a tape recorder and then replying. This allowed