Examines how the impromptu speech exercise affects trait and situational communication apprehension (CA). Uses McCroskey's Personal Report of Communication Apprehension to study trait CA and Clevenger's Speaker Anxiety Scale to measure situational CA. Indicates that subjects who completed the impromptu speech significantly lowered their…

Presents guidelines for both effective speech practice and control of public speaking anxiety. (MM)

Examines how visualization compares with placebo procedures in reducing communication apprehension (CA) in public speaking classes. Finds that visualization is an active treatment procedure that reduces CA above and beyond the reduction that can be attributed to the "extra-attention" involved in any treatment process. (MS)

A study was conducted to test the relationship between communication apprehension (CA) and learning. Subjects were 194 college students at a midwestern university enrolled in an introductory speech course who were divided by scores on the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA). The groups heard a class presentation and were then…

Because students with stage fright are numerous, different from their college peers, and capable of being helped, the University of Illinois has created stage fright sections within the basic speech course. To meet the behavioral objectives of the course, the student should be able to define stage fright and recognize its common symptoms, describe…

Noting that stagefright has been the subject of intensive analysis and subjected to almost every conceivable test or measurement without revealing either its "cause" or its "cure," this paper presents vocal exercises to help combat the performance malady. After listing four principles concerning the nature of stagefright (it is…

This annotated bibliography contains 31 references of articles and papers in the ERIC database that deal with communication apprehension (CA). The first section provides strategies for instructors and students to alleviate communication apprehension, speech anxiety, stage fright, and other problems people have with public speaking. The second…

Presents a course syllabus which incorporates recent research findings indicating that students that suffer from communication apprehension may be treated in a regular oral communication course with no detrimental side effects to the rest of the class. Claims that, in general, an immediate atmosphere of support and encouragement must be developed.…

Indicates that the "Sharing Feelings Speech" assignment (1) failed to support the hypothesis that self-disclosure reduces stage fright in public speaking situations more than other forms of public speaking, and (2) revealed no significant gender-based differences. (JD)

A variety of activities are offered to help children develop skill in public speaking. Confidence is built when childen practice presenting themselves both visually and orally. (DF)

Effective instructional approaches for dealing with stage fright can be developed by examining A. H. Buss's theory of audience anxiety. Buss argues that audience anxiety correlates with feelings of self-consciousness, characteristics of the audience, and the novelty of the speaking role. From his perspective, the experience of anxiety is divided…

Reports on meta-analysis of 183 experiments comparing the effect sizes (average amount of change observed) of measurement techniques for assessing the effectiveness of public speaking anxiety treatments. Shows differences between self-report, observer, and physiological measurement techniques. Finds no interaction between type of therapy and type…

A study investigated the time honored notion that students who successfully complete a basic course in public speaking will experience less anxiety about speech situations, and will have significantly different emotional reactions to potential public speaking situations. Scales to measure communication apprehension, speech anxiety, and pleasure,…

Based on his own experiences with public speaking courses, the instructor of a speech communication course for adults brings students to the task of speaking in front of the room gradually to reduce speech anxiety or communication apprehension. During successive class sessions, students speak sitting in their seats, standing beside their seats,…

Aided by her advisor, a communication apprehensive college senior majoring in speech communication at a small rural college developed a project designed to help herself and other apprehensives through cognitive modification. Six students enrolled in a speech communication course who were classified as communication apprehensive by the Personal…