Communication Apprehension – Overcoming our Fear of Communication
Communication Apprehension
 This is known as being afraid to speak, generally in
public settings/situations
 Studies show that 80-90% of Americans are really scared
of public speaking
 DON’T BE SCARED!! Everyone in here is in the same
boat. We all have to communicate, so let’s make the
best of it
Communication Apprehension Symptoms
 Upset stomach, Flushed face, Dizziness, Fast heartbeat,
Shortness of breath, Sweating like a beast (heavy
perspiration),Wobbly legs
Adjusting Our Perception Can Help
 Perception refers to how we see things
 When we perceive things we are gaining awareness of an
idea, person, situation, etc.
 The perceptions that we have for communication can
either help us or harm us
Establishing an Accurate Perception of Communication
 Having a positive outlook, or perception, that is accurate
can help build speaking confidence (or confidence as a
communicator)
 Don’t let your fear get in the way of being an effective
communicator
Perception of the Audience
 Some of us might think that the audience is going to
know just how nervous we are
 Truthfully though the audience does not really know
how nervous you are (they know, just not how much)
 If you know your material and take care of your
audience they will forgive your mistakes and
nervousness (to a certain extent) PRACTICE!
Perception of Giving a Speech
 We should see communication, or giving a speech, as an
opportunity to share or discuss something we think is
valuable
 Communication/Speeches should be thought of as a
chance to positively impact the lives of your audience
members
 The speech is an extension of you!
 We should communicate to make other’s lives better
Self Perception
 We have to accept ourselves…flaws and all
 In speaking we should shoot for excellence, however we
are not always going to be perfect
 We all, even Mr. Webb, make mistakes
 We cannot build confidence unless we learn from our
failures and mistakes
 When we fail we should discover new ways to be
successful
 Failure leads to discovery
 Don’t fear failure and DON’T PANIC
REMEMBER
 Your audience wants you to be successful
 If your speech is something you care about then your
audience will care too
 We each have amazing things to share, so SHARE
THEM!
 The things you say could have a great impact on
someone
Planks of C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-C-E
 Content, Organization, Notes, Friendliness, Impression,
Dedication, Empathy, Newness, Conviction, Enthusiasm
 These work in ANY SETTING/SITUATION
Content (C)
 Pick a topic worth talking about
 Don’t waste any one’s time with worthless information
 Confident in your content = confidence when speaking
 KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT
(RESEARCH A TON!)
Organization (O)
 An organized speech is crucial in being comfortable in
front of an audience
 Have an outline that is easy for you AND your audience
to follow
 Have clear main ideas, logical support, strong
introductions/conclusions, and be focused in all you say
Notes (N)
 For our class, this will be your outline. TYPE IT!
 Not a substitute for preparation!
 Notes are there as a guide… DON’T FORGET EYE
CONTACT!
Friendliness (F)
 Convey a warm, friendly attitude
 Smile, make eye contact, get them to laugh (if
appropriate to your topic)
 Be likeable
Impression (I)
 Grab their attention right from the start
 Look your best and you will feel better too
 Your first impression might be your last
Dedication (D)
 YOU MUST RESEARCH, WRITE, AND PRACTICE
what you are going to say for your speech
 RESEARCH AND PRACTICE ARE THE KEYS TO
DEDICATION
Empathy (E)
 Be aware of how your audience is going to feel after
they hear your speech
 Empathy is the sincere understanding of the thoughts,
feelings, and motives of others
 Establish common ground
Newness (N)
 Don’t tell your audience something that they have
already heard a hundred times!
Conviction (C)
 Believe in what you say!
 Don’t back down from what you believe (be courteous
and tactful)
 Have the courage to stand up and voice your opinions
and principles (Be ETHICAL - use intrapersonal comm.)
Enthusiasm (E)
 Your audience will generally reflect whatever you are
doing
 Smile, exude confidence, don’t go overboard on this, and
get your audience interested in what you are saying