Page 105 - Between One and Many The Art and Science of Public Speaking

72 Part 1 Foundations

Exhibit 3.6 That wasn’t half-bad.
Constructive Self-Talk
Find my seat.
After You Speak
Smile, take some deep breaths.
Don’t forget to take notes from the feedback I get.
Talk with my instructor.
Don’t forget the “did well” and “room to improve” list.
Go back over the speech tonight in my mind’s eye.
Write down goals for next time.

Summary
Speech anxiety is a result of our subjective interpretation of the arousal we ex-
www.mhhe.com/brydon6
perience 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 evaluate your understand-
ing of this chapter, visit our to psychological side effects, such as excessive worry, and physical side effects,
Online Learning Center Web such as trembling hands. Too much arousal can lead to a debilitating level of
site for quizzes and other
chapter study aids. speech anxiety. Managing speech anxiety involves the following:
• Gaining familiarity with your audience and situation
• Committing to practice and preparation and avoiding procrastination
• Extending your everyday speaking skills to public speaking
• Developing a positive attitude toward speaking

• Establishing realistic goals given your commitment to your class
• Replacing negative self-talk before, during, and following a speech with
constructive self-talk

• Focusing on what you and your instructor agree are important consider-
ations in the development and delivery of your speech
• Combining visual imagery with behavioral rehearsal

• Combining imagery with relaxation techniques
• Recognizing and accepting the fact that your audience wants you to succeed
• Making the preceding skills and techniques part of your routine before, dur-
ing, and after a speech

Check Your Understanding: Exercises and Activities
1. In a short paper, describe the relationship between physical arousal and speech
anxiety and give examples of both physical and mental symptoms of anxiety.
Be sure to defi ne anxiety and distinguish it from speech anxiety.