Negative Thought Positive Self-Talk

I’m going to forget what I’m supposed I’ve practiced this speech many times. to say. I’ve got notes to prompt me.

If I lose my place, no one will know I’m not following my outline.

So many people are looking at me. I can do this! My listeners want me to do a good job. I’ll seek out friendly faces when I feel nervous.

People think I’m dull and boring. I’ve got some good examples. I can talk to people one-on-one, and people seem to like me.

I just can’t go through with this. I have talked to people all my life. I’ve given presentations in classes for years. I can get through this because I’ve rehearsed and I’m prepared.

Focus on Your Message, Not on Your Fear The more you think about being anxious about speaking, the more you will increase your level of anxiety. Instead, think about what you are going to say. In the few minutes before you address your lis- teners, mentally review your major ideas, your introduction, and your conclusion. Focus on your ideas rather than on your fear.

Look for Positive Support Evidence suggests that if you think you see audi- ence members looking critical of you or your message, you may feel more appre- hensive and nervous when you speak.51 Stated more positively, when you are aware of positive audience support, you will feel more confident and less nervous. To reiterate our previous advice: It is important to be audience-centered. Al- though you may face some audience members who won’t respond positively to you or your message, the overwhelming majority of listeners will be positive. Looking for positive, reinforcing feedback and finding it can help you feel more confident as a speaker. One study found that speakers experienced less apprehen- sion if they had a support group or a small “learning community” that provided positive feedback and reinforcement.52 This research finding has implications for you as a speaker and listener. When you have a speaking assignment, work with

An Overview of Audience-Centered Public Speaking 17

others to provide support both as you prepare and when you present your speech. When you’re listening to speakers in your communication class, help them by being a positive, supportive listener: Provide eye contact and offer additional positive non- verbal support, such as nodding in agreement and maintaining a positive but sincere facial expression. You can help your fellow students feel more comfortable as speakers, and they can do the same for you; watch for their support. One study found that non- native speakers may feel anxious and nervous because English is not their native language; so providing positive supportive feed- back is especially important when you know a speaker is quite nervous.53

Seek Speaking Opportunities The more experience you gain as a public speaker, the less nervous you will feel.54 As you develop a track record of successfully delivering speeches, you will have more confidence.55 This course in public speaking will give you opportu- nities to enhance both your confidence and your skill through fre- quent practice. Researchers have found that those speakers who were the most nervous at the beginning of a public-speaking class experienced the greatest decreases in nervousness by the end of the class.56 Another research study found that students who took a basic public-speaking course reported having less apprehension and more satisfaction about speaking than students who had not had such a course.57 To add to the practice you will get in this class, consider joining organizations and clubs such as Toastmasters, an organiza- tion dedicated to improving public-speaking skills by providing a supportive group of people to help you polish your speaking and overcome your anxiety.

Focus on What You Have Accomplished, Not on Your Fear When you conclude your speech, you may be tempted to fix- ate on your fear. You might amplify in your own mind the nervous- ness you felt and think everyone could see how nervous you looked. Resist that temptation. When you finish your speech, tell yourself something positive to celebrate your accomplishment. Say to your- self, “I did it! I spoke and people listened.” Don’t replay your mental image of yourself as nervous and fearful. Instead, mentally replay your success in communicating with your listeners.