Directions: Following are statements that people sometimes make about themselves in the context of delivering a speech. Indicate whether or not you believe each statement applies to you by marking whether you strongly disagree = 1; disagree = 2; neutral = 3; agree = 4; or strongly agree = 5.
1. While preparing for giving a speech, I feel tense and nervous. |
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2. I feel tense when I see the words “speech” and “public speech” on a course outline when studying. |
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3. My thoughts become confused and jumbled when I am giving a speech. |
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4. I get anxious when I think about a speech coming up. |
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5. When the instructor announces a speaking assignment in class, I can feel myself getting tense. |
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6. My hands tremble when I am giving a speech. |
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7. I am in constant fear of forgetting what I prepared to say. |
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8. I get anxious if someone asks me something about my topic that I don’t know. |
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9. I perspire just before starting a speech. |
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10. I notice my heart beating fast when I start my speech. |
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11. I experience considerable anxiety while sitting in the room just before my speech starts. |
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12. Certain parts of my body feel very tense and rigid while giving a speech. |
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13. Realizing that only a little time remains in a speech makes me very tense and anxious. |
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14. I do poorly on speeches because I am anxious. |
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15. I feel anxious when the teacher announces the date of a speaking assignment. |
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16. When I make a mistake giving a speech, I find it hard to concentrate on the parts that follow. |
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17. During an important speech, I experience a feeling of helplessness building up inside me. |
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18. I have trouble falling asleep the night before a speech. |
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19. I feel anxious while waiting to give my speech. |
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20. While giving a speech, I get so nervous I forget facts I know. |
Your score: out of 100
Your level of public speaking anxiety is low.
Your level of public speaking anxiety is moderate.
Your level of public speaking anxiety is high.
Source: Adapted from McCroskey (1970).