Public-Speaking Anxiety: Causes and Coping Strategies
Public-speaking anxiety, commonly known as speech anxiety, is a phenomenon that affects many individuals in various settings. It is defined as an individual’s fear of speaking in front of an audience (Derman-Sparks, 2020). This fear is often associated with negative evaluations from the audience, which can lead to increased levels of stress or even panic (Liu, Chiu, & Peng, 2020). Fortunately, there are various strategies that can be used to help individuals cope with public-speaking anxiety.
Causes of Public-Speaking Anxiety
Public-speaking anxiety can stem from a variety of causes. These can include a fear of negative judgement or evaluation from the audience, fear of failure, fear of being the center of attention, or a lack of self-confidence (Liu et al., 2020). Additionally, individuals who have previously had a negative experience while speaking in public are also more likely to experience anxiety when doing so in the future (Okello et al., 2019).
Coping Strategies
There are several steps that can be taken to help individuals cope with public-speaking anxiety. These include developing a sense of self-confidence, preparing for the speech beforehand, and using relaxation techniques during the speech (Derman-Sparks, 2020). Additionally, individuals can practice deep breathing exercises prior to the speech to help reduce feelings of anxiety (Okello et al., 2019). Finally, it is important for individuals to remember to focus on their audience and the content of their speech, rather than on their own perceived flaws.
Conclusion
Public-speaking anxiety is a phenomenon that affects many individuals in various settings. While it can be difficult to overcome, individuals can use various strategies to help reduce their anxiety and become more confident speakers. By focusing on preparing for the speech, increasing self-confidence, and using relaxation and deep breathing techniques, individuals can learn to better manage their fears.
References
Derman-Sparks, L. (2020). Anxiety about public speaking: Causes and coping. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/speech-connection/202003/anxiety-about-public-speaking-causes-and-coping
Liu, Y. C., Chiu, M. H., & Peng, P. K. (2020). Exploring the effects of public speaking anxiety on communication apprehension. Communication Research Reports, 37(2), 119-127. https://doi.org/10.1080/08824096.2020.1726798
Okello, J., Othieno, R., Ochieng, P., & Orach, C. (2019). Prevalence and predictors of public-speaking anxiety among university students in Kenya. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 17(2), 488-503. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-018-9942-7