Communication Apprehension

Interpersonal Communication and Communication Apprehension

One of the major fears that people have is the fear of communication. The fear of

speaking is a real issue that everyone needs to recognize. It does exist and will continue

to exist without the proper education against it. Have you ever had a hard time talking in

a certain situation? Have you ever tried to give a speech and just froze? Have you ever

felt discomfort, pressure, nervousness, pain or stress towards communication? Then you

have experienced "Communication Apprehension". Communication Apprehension is

defined as an "Individual level of fear or anxiety associated with either real or

anticipated communication with another person or persons." (McCrosky, 1977)

Everyone from time to time has experienced some apprehension toward

communication. However, some individuals really experience this issue on a day-to-day

basis. "About one of every five persons--20 percent of all college students--is

communication apprehensive...Communication apprehensive people may not

appear apprehensive unless they are engaging in a particular type of communication."

(Pearson & Nelson, An Introduction to human Communication, p. 224). The most

common issue of Communication apprehension is in speaking in front of an audience.

Here there is a fear of what people are going to think or say about what you are talking

about in front of the audience. I have personally experienced this several times

throughout my life. Communication Apprehension can be distinguished into two levels: Those with a

low form (low CA) and those with a high form (high CA). People with a high level of

CA contain high levels of anxiety when it comes to communication. They feel more

comfortable when alone and isolated. They tend to have lower self-esteem, and have a

high level of fear of communicating with others. People with a low CA do have some

uneasiness in communicating, but can control it to an extent. This would

probably characterize those who, although get a little nervous when making a speech, get

over it, and speak fairly well. Although they speak well, they still experience

nervousness, and anxiety about speaking, but they control it. Apart from a severe feeling

of discomfort a person with high levels of CA experiences when communicating, certain

physiological effects could also be present like rapid beating of the heart, some

shakiness, a dry mouth and increased perspiration.

Because of their fear or anxiety, people with high levels of CA try to

avoid communication where possible, like choosing jobs where communication plays

a minor role, or choose a seat in a classroom or meeting where they would not be very

conspicuous. They would avoid communication by saying only that which is necessary

or speak only when called upon. Research indicates that people with high levels of CA

generally have lower self-esteem, do not occupy managerial posts, are not very assertive

and students' academic achievements are lower than those with average to low levels

of CA (Richmond & McCroskey, 1989:52-59). At this stage, it should be clear the CA

does influence the quality of life of individuals and has a harmful effect on especially

interpersonal relationships.

What causes communication apprehension? Researchers have identified five

common concerns that contribute to the fear and anxiety associated with public speaking.

These include the speaker's previous public speaking experiences, fear of being in the

spotlight, fear of being judged, amount of preparation for the speech and amount of

experience (or lack thereof) in delivering a speech.

One of the first steps in overcoming speech anxiety is identifying the reasons you

feel apprehensive in public speaking situations. Once you have identified the causes of

your fear (first time speaking on a topic or to a particular audience, fear of evaluation),

you will be able to develop strategies to help overcome the fear. It is important to realize that the fear you are experiencing on the inside is not always evident to your audience. The key is to view your audience as your friend and to visualize yourself as a successful

speaker. These tips, combined with preparation and practice, will help you put fear in its

place. By reducing speech anxiety, your delivery will improve and you will become more

confident in your ability as a speaker. Another successful therapy for overcoming speech anxiety that has been included as a part of many public speaking courses is visualization.
.
This method of overcoming the fear of public speaking involves creating a successful image of the public speaking experience and recalling that image while delivering the

speech. Systematic desensitization is yet another useful therapy. It uses several therapy

sessions to teach speakers how to replace the anxious feelings associated with public

speaking situations with positive, relaxing feelings. This therapy has been used to assist

individuals in overcoming a variety of fears, including speech anxiety, test anxiety, and

the fear of flying. Skills' training is a strategy that teaches individuals to become more n

competent organizing a speech, developing ideas clearly, maintaining good posture,

while speaking maintaining eye contact with the audience, and incorporating vocal

variety and gestures while speaking. Your public speaking course will provide you

with the skills training you need to polish your communication skills and enhance your

presentations.

Speech anxiety is a problem, but it is a normal problem. Even though you may

watch other people give presentations that you think are flawless, they would probably

report experiencing butterflies in the stomach and shaking knees during their speech. The

important thing to remember is that you are not alone. The majority of Americans

experience the same fear, and there are things you can do to manage your fear and

improve your performance. Communication Apprehension is a phenomenon that

definitely influences the quality of life of people and in schools we should try to prevent

and/or surmount this where possible.

McCroskey, J.C. 1984. The communication apprehension perspective. (In Daly J.A., and McCroskey, J.C. (eds.) apprehension. Avoiding communication. Shyness, reticence, and communication apprehension. Beverley Hills: Sage Publications. p. 13-38.))

Richmond, V.P. and McCroskey, J.C. Communication apprehension, avoidance and effectiveness. 1989. Scottsdale, AZ: Gorsuch Scarisbrick Publishers. 138 p. J. Ayres and T. Hopf, Coping with Speech Anxiety (Norwood, NJ: Ablex Publishing, 1993).

June Johnson, Speech Coach. Combating Speech Anxiety (Small Business Times, March, 1998)