Question

Define communication apprehension? How much anxiety do you feel before giving a speech? How do you plan to manage communication apprehension before your next speech?

Answer 1

Communication apprehension can be defined as a person's real or anticipated anxiety or fear associated with communicating with other people.

​I feel anxious just before getting up and presenting before people. I feel very conscious about myself and that people will be judging me and i also fear that i may make some mistakes. My heart pounds rapidly, i seat a lot and sometimes i may even tremble a little. I feel like just escaping the situation. Other times if i am confident about the presentation, then there is less anxiety.

• Deep breathing exercises will help calm the person down and will reduce the anxiety
• Use visualisation techniques in which a positive outcome will be visualised.
• Practise the speech or the script in front of the mirror
• Record yourself and hear your voice before the final recording
• Repeating positive self affirmations just prior to the recording
• Practise yoga mediation or other physical exercises.
• Practise in front of someone else.