Communication Apprehension
OSTCA Task Force on High School Curriculum
Communication Apprehension
Curriculum Resource Guide
July 18, 2002
Originally created by Douglas Duke, University of Central Oklahoma
Revisions and Additions by Emily Dake Farnham & Jason Burkhart in December 2001,
University of Central Oklahoma
Updated by Rozilyn Miller, University of Central Oklahoma in July 2002
Mission Statement
Our goal is to educate students to be competent and responsible oral communicators able to adapt to personal, public, and professional situations in appropriate and effective ways while sending and receiving verbal and nonverbal messages.
This is not meant to be the “ultimate” curriculum resource guide – this is a living document that will evolve and change to aid teachers at multiple levels: from the first year teacher to the seasoned pro! Please send suggested revisions, additions, activities, and resources to
Rozilyn Miller
University of Central Oklahoma
Department of Communication
100 N. University Drive
Edmond, OK 73034
(405) 974-5586 (office)
(405) 974-3879 (fax) rozmiller@ucok.edu COMMUNICATION APPREHENSION
DEFINITION: Anxiety that is experienced as the individual anticipates or engages in communication.
GOAL: By helping the student to better understand what communication apprehension is, what its causes are and understanding ways to control anxiety, the student will have a more positive experience with communication efforts.
NOTE TO THE TEACHER: It is a very common characteristic of students in communication class to express fear and apprehension toward the communication experience. Many times it is so strong that it controls the students and keeps them from accomplishing what they desire. Efforts should be made to help the students realize their own goals and make steps to control unwanted communication fear. The teacher may help the student in understanding that this fear is common and can
Communication Apprehension
Curriculum Resource Guide
July 18, 2002
Originally created by Douglas Duke, University of Central Oklahoma
Revisions and Additions by Emily Dake Farnham & Jason Burkhart in December 2001,
University of Central Oklahoma
Updated by Rozilyn Miller, University of Central Oklahoma in July 2002
Mission Statement
Our goal is to educate students to be competent and responsible oral communicators able to adapt to personal, public, and professional situations in appropriate and effective ways while sending and receiving verbal and nonverbal messages.
This is not meant to be the “ultimate” curriculum resource guide – this is a living document that will evolve and change to aid teachers at multiple levels: from the first year teacher to the seasoned pro! Please send suggested revisions, additions, activities, and resources to
Rozilyn Miller
University of Central Oklahoma
Department of Communication
100 N. University Drive
Edmond, OK 73034
(405) 974-5586 (office)
(405) 974-3879 (fax) rozmiller@ucok.edu COMMUNICATION APPREHENSION
DEFINITION: Anxiety that is experienced as the individual anticipates or engages in communication.
GOAL: By helping the student to better understand what communication apprehension is, what its causes are and understanding ways to control anxiety, the student will have a more positive experience with communication efforts.
NOTE TO THE TEACHER: It is a very common characteristic of students in communication class to express fear and apprehension toward the communication experience. Many times it is so strong that it controls the students and keeps them from accomplishing what they desire. Efforts should be made to help the students realize their own goals and make steps to control unwanted communication fear. The teacher may help the student in understanding that this fear is common and can