Understanding and Addressing Anxiety

Since many people are apprehensive about speaking publicly, we might assume that communication apprehension (CA) is limited to this context. However, throughout this book you learn that anxiety can occur in many contexts. Some people experience high levels of CA in interpersonal relationships (Chapter 7) whereas others get anxious when working in groups (Chapter 9). And still others find that interviews (Interviewing Appendix) trigger CA. The techniques in this chapter are useful in all situations where CA occurs.

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld once joked, “According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. . . . This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy” (as cited in Peck, 2007). Although Seinfeld’s statistics are not accurate (Dwyer & Davidson, 2012), it’s true that speechmaking can cause public speaking anxiety (PSA), the nervousness we experience when we know we have to communicate publicly to an audience (Behnke & Sawyer, 1999; Bippus & Daly, 1999). Although we might think of PSA as an emotional challenge, it often manifests itself with real physical symptoms, including a rapid heartbeat, erratic breathing, increased sweating, and a general feeling of uneasiness. (To determine your own level of PSA, visit an online quiz at www.jamescmccroskey.com/measures/prpsa.htm.)

For some individuals, however, this nervousness goes far beyond giving a speech and extends to such essential speaking tasks as answering a question in class, meeting new people, interviewing for a job, or voicing an opinion. The late communication scholar James McCroskey (1977) calls this communication apprehension (CA) because it is a more general “fear or anxiety associated with either real or anticipated communication with another person or persons” (p. 78). Yet speaking up or speaking out can clearly enhance personal opportunities and career prospects. In fact, “being a poor speaker is the principal reason people don’t make it into the executive ranks” (Ligos, 2001).

But don’t despair! Whether you suffer from PSA or even the more general CA, you can learn to control your nervousness. In more severe cases, you might consider meeting with a trained counselor. For less disruptive symptoms, you might simply find comfort in the fact that nervousness is a natural part of life—and that it can actually spur you on to do your best (in the case of a speech, this may mean preparing more thoroughly and practicing more diligently). You may also benefit from the advice we offer here on identifying your anxiety triggers and building your confidence.