A great deal of work has gone into public speaking anxiety research. Black, in 2019 created a study on the phobia of public speaking. The result suggested 73% of the population had some form of anxiety when addressing an audience. This article looks at several well-established pieces of research into public speaking anxiety. It is well worth looking at these examples. If you feel anxious speaking, this research may help you find ways to cope.
The Blue Square and public speaking anxiety research
This is a classic experiment performed by Elizabeth Phelps. Phelps gave people electric shocks when they saw a particular colour square. The subject became anxious after a few electric shocks. The subjects saw the square on the second day. But, Phelps administered no shock. Seeing the shape without the shock, over time, produced less anxiety.
This research suggests that repletion reduces anxiety. Students who feel they have done poorly in front of an audience should get up in front of another crowd. This idea of getting back on the horse is not new. During the First World War, fighter pilots returned to another plane if they crashed. The pilots returned to the air to reduce the anxiety.
Measuring Public Speaking Anxiety: Self-report, behavioural, and physiological (2022)
By Gallego, A., McHugh, L., Penttonen, M., & Lappalainen 2022
This extensive experiment involved both data and questionnaires. The study suggests that the more anxious you are, the more you underrate your performance.
This underrating will increase anxiety as the student moves forward. A good appraisal of their work by those they trust is imperative.
Anxiety Level in Students of Public Speaking: Causes and Remedies 2017
By Farhan Raja
Raja set out to discover two things. The first was to what extent students felt anxious when speaking. The 2nd was to try and establish what factors were responsible for that anxiety. Her experiment took place in a Business School in the private sector.
She discovered that the audience size had a marked degree on the anxiety a student felt. 82% of students said that the size of the audience was a factor in how anxious they felt. Three-quarters of students believed that speaking more would reduce anxiety. And 92% believed that professional help would quicken that process.
Student fears of oral presentations and public speaking in higher education
By Grieve, Woodley, Hunt and McKay, 2021
This survey-based experiment delved into the minds of anxious speakers. Being judged is a common factor of anxiety. Worrying about what people might think seemed to create tension and fear.
The fear of physical symptoms was another problem for subjects. For example, the fear of shaking could also create anxiety. Worrying about the symptom that they will experience makes stress itself. The concern and inner feelings create a vicious circle.
Other triggers were uncertainty in the topic on which they were speaking. This lack of confidence emphasised the need for proper rehearsal and preparation. It is essential to devote time to every speech.
Another common trigger was the negative effect of another experience. Most students felt that more practice and preparation would reduce their anxiety. To learn to speak in public, you need practical support.
An Experiment on Public Speaking Anxiety in Response to Three Different Types of Virtual Audience
By Pertaub, Slater, Barker 2002
This is a ground-breaking and illuminating piece on public speaking anxiety research. As the subject spoke, the team measured the anxiety. The subjects did not speak to real people but to avatars. Some subjects used a 3-D headset while others watched a screen.
The team used three types of virtual audiences: a neutral one, a warm one, and a hostile one. The hostile audience looked bored and intimidating. In contrast, the warm one was full of smiles and appeared relaxed. The hostile audience produced more anxiety than the warm one.
This experiment proves a virtual world can provide therapeutic help. So, a new and exciting concept was born. The method is less expensive and more adaptable than a real audience.
A Quantitative Study of the Association between self-efficacy and public speaking anxiety in students.
By Stewart, Dick, Dilick and Wilson, 2021
This experiment found a connexion between self-efficacy and anxiety when public speaking. Self-efficacy is a person’s belief in their capacity to execute a plan of action. Bandura first formulated it in 1977.
The experiment found that there was a significant correlation between self-efficacy and anxiety. If a subject’s confidence increased, the pressure decreased.
The experiment showed self-efficacy was responsible for a quarter of all stress.
Conclusion
Public speaking anxiety research emphasises the importance of preparation and practice in many articles. Seasoned speakers put as much as one hour of preparation into every minute of their speech. Evidence shows that those students who prepared more felt less anxiety.
There is also conclusive evidence that understanding one’s topic before speaking is imperative. A lack of confidence in one’s ability to speak on a particular subject is bound to create anxiety. It is better not to talk than to look a fool.
It is true to say that a friendly audience will create less anxiety than a hostile one. Any stand-up comedian knows the fear when confronted by a hostile rabble. It takes a great deal of experience to deal with these situations. If you are inexperienced and feel that the audience will not be on your side, declining may be better. Most groups will be kind and friendly, and it is best to stick to these until you are more experienced.;
One needs to practice to master any skill. Public speaking is no exception. I think opportunities to speak may be rare. Decide if you are confident in your material and knowledge on a subject. Make sure you have the time to prepare. Consider if the audience is one that you can handle effectively. If you answer yes to all these factors, accept the engagement. Try to enjoy it and remember that your speaking ability has improved. Even if you believe it has gone badly. Experience is everything.
Anxiety is natural and felt by all speakers and performers to some degree. Don’t let it hold you back.