Chapter 2Chapter 2

Building Building ConfidenceConfidence

Overcoming Communication Apprehension

What we will discussWhat we will discuss

Communication apprehension is common What is fear? Who gets frightened in front of an audience? What are the symptoms?

Need to establish an accurate perception Your audience Your speech Yourself

The Planks of Confidence

What is Fear?What is Fear?

Biological process by which animals get the energy to do the job. Two types of energy

From regular system

From emergency system or adrenaline– Flight or fight

Communication apprehension is being afraid to speak in public.

Communication Communication ApprehensionApprehension

It’s Stage Fright Almost everyone gets it

80 to 90% of Americans

Even actors suffer from it

Why do we get it?Why do we get it?

Rush of energy Adrenaline

We don’t like to be judged.

What is the Fear?What is the Fear?

Fear of failure Fear of attention Fear of humiliation

What are the What are the symptoms?symptoms?

Upset stomach Flushed face Dizziness Fast heartbeat Shortness of breath Wobbly legs

What experiences have you had?

Best CuresBest Cures

Talk about what you know Support from audience Make it simple and clear Visualize success Practice Breathe, breathe, breathe

to stay calm

Establish an Accurate Establish an Accurate PerceptionPerception

“Public speaking is no more difficult than breathing, using chopsticks or tying a bow tie. The mysterious becomes simple…once you know

how to do it.”-Charles Osgood, news commentator

See things as they are, not as you fear.

Perception of the Perception of the AudienceAudience

“Studies on how well an audience perceives anxiety should comfort nervous speakers. Researchers have found that most report noticing little or no anxiety in a speaker. Even when individuals are trained to detect anxiety cues and are instructed to look for them, there is little correlation between their evaluations and how anxious speakers actually felt.”

-Michael T. Motley, Psychology Today

People don’t see all your mistakes or nerves.

Perception of the Perception of the SpeechSpeech

Not a performance but a conversation

It is an extension of your personality

Have an intrapersonal discussion

Perception of YourselfPerception of Yourself You don’t have to be perfect. You have failed before, but survived.

The first time you walked The first time you rode a bike The first time you swam

Self-esteem is the result of a discovery process

Being given responsibility and then earning it

Planks of ConfidencePlanks of Confidence Content Organization Notes Friendliness Impression Dedication Empathy Newness Conviction Enthusiasm