Summary

Speech anxiety is a result of our subjective interpretation of the arousal we experience when called on to speak publicly. Although some degree of arousal is necessary to prepare and deliver an effective speech, too much of it can lead to psychological side effects, such as excessive worry, and physical side effects, such as trembling hands. Too much arousal can lead to a debilitating level of speech anxiety. Managing speech anxiety involves:

• developing a positive attitude toward speaking
• committing to practice and preparation and avoiding procrastination
• replacing negative self-talk before, during, and following a speech with constructive self-talk
• establishing realistic goals given your commitment to your class
• recognizing and accepting the fact that your audience wants you to succeed
• focusing on what you and your instructor agree are important considerations in the development and delivery of your speech
• combining visual imagery with behavioral rehearsal
• combining imagery with relaxation techniques
• making the preceding skills and techniques part of your routine before, during, and after a speech