Communication Apprehension, Fear of Presenting, Presentation Anxiety

Rating

Communication Apprehension, Fear of Presenting, Presentation Anxiety

Presentations are important in business. They can be a true differentiator between success and failure of a business pitch, online webinar, investor confidence attraction, sales closure, etc.
The success or failure of a presentation depends to a large degree on how the information is being communicated. But at one time or another most of us have experienced presentation anxiety through feeling nervous, producing a shaky voice, sweating, having trembling fingers, and even having an increased heart beat. Oral presentation anxiety behaviors like these are caused by Communication Apprehension (CA).

What is Communication Apprehension (CA)? Definition

CA is a broad term which describes the anxiety or fear related to real or anticipated comunication with others. In other words, CA is a broadly based anxiety related to oral communication (McCroskey).

Types of Communication Apprehension. Sources

CA stems from many sources. McCroskey argues that there are four types of CA namely;

1. TRAIT ANXIETY
   This type of CA exists with people across situations and time periods. Trait anxiety is a personality type of CA whereby an individual has an orientation to feel anxiety during communication - regardless of the situation. The fear is part of one's natural behaviour. McCroskey and Beatty link this type to genetics known as communibiology while other scholars regard it as more of a personality trait acquired that can be changed.
2. CONTEXT ANXIETY
   This is a communication anxiety triggered by a specific context, for example a formality communication context, which triggers low or high CA. Here a surrounding of uncertainty (e.g., novelty) can increase one's anxiety which can affect oral presentations.
3. AUDIENCE ANXIETY
   This is CA prompted by specific audience characteristics, for example the audience status, size and familiarity.
4. SITUATION ANXIETY
   This refers to psychological reaction of a person due to a specific situation (e.g., to have recently lost a loved one).

Typical Behaviors and Traits

People with high CA tend to:

• AVOID COMMUNICATION. At workplaces, people with high CA often avoid job positions or tasks with high chances or potential of communication.
• WITHDRAW COMMUNICATION. Where there is no room for avoiding communication, people with high CA withdraw communication by either maintaining total silence or performing only minimal communication, for example speaking only when asked to do so and using non verbal withdrawal communication messages like frowning, avoiding eye contact, and standing away from others.
• DISRUPT COMMUNICATION. People with high CA may even disrupt communication through the use of both verbal and non verbal communication behaviors.

Ways to reduce Communication Apprehension

Researches on CA show that peer practice prior to the real presentation helps to reduce CA. The use of virtual reality is also cited as a solution towards building a sense of mastery or self-efficacy which results in improved perception of performance. Meditation and the use of certain (tranquilizing) drugs are also said to have the power to reduce CA.
⇨ Please add your comments. What do you think is required for one to deal with this communication anxiety?

Sources
McCroskey, J.C. and Beatty, M.J. (1986), "Communication Apprehension, Shyness", pp 279-293.
Beatty, M.J. and Behnke, R.R. (1980), "An assimilation theory perspective of communication apprehension", Human Capital Research.

		Comments by date▼ Comments by rating Rating
		2 Carlos Gonzalez Manager, Spain
	Improve Self Confidence and Self Control To avoid CA, you must improve self confidence and self control. Suggesting the use of drugs is really crazy. This sense of anxiety is created by the brain and can be improved just controlling the way of thinking. Drugs are not designed for this low level disorders. Challenging exercises must be done to solve it. It is a very simple phobia to improve.

		1 Anonymous
	Tranquilizers Could be a Solution Against Communication Apprehension Sometimes Accept people are different. For some people in some situations drugs are a way to deal with CA.

		2 Angelina Michaelidis Management Consultant, Greece
	Practice and Practice Against CA Knowing your audience and repetitive practice is key. I would suggest to practice always in front of a mirror in a loud voice. Tried and succeeded!

		2 kayode Fayemi Entrepreneur, Nigeria
	Analyse and Involve your Audience Against Stage Fright The audience that we imagine in our minds is almost always more threatening than the reality of the people sitting in front of us. The more information you have about the characteristics of your audience, the more you will be able to craft an effective message. Since your stage fright is likely to be at its highest at the beginning of your speech, it is helpful to open the speech with a technique to prompt an audience response. You might try posing a question, asking for a show of hands, or sharing a story that you know is relevant to your listeners' experience. When you see the audience responding to you by nodding, smiling, or answering questions, you will have directed the focus of attention from yourself to the audience. Such responses indicate success; they are positively reinforcing, and thus reduce your nervousness.

		1 Tafadzwa Gabaza Business School Marketer, Zimbabwe
	Research Thoroughly on your Presentation Topic to Gain Confidence I think a way to overcome CA is by making sure you do a thorough research on whatever topic you would be presenting on. This will give you confidence to stand be it in front of people or online and deliver the presentation as you will be well equipped.

		1 ganhi Accountant, Cote Divoire (Ivory Coast)
	Question to you All Hello, I have a question for you all. In case you're unexpectedly invited to address a message for which you did not prepare for in front of any audience what do you think can be done to do so without...

		5 Helen Strong Business Consultant, South Africa
	Thorough Preparation Reduces Anxiety Advice above is all relevant. Good preparation will reduce anxiety. For the most impact, in my book you need to: Know the topic and why it is being discussed. Why does it matter? What are the l...

		2 kayode Fayemi Entrepreneur, Nigeria
	Thorough Preparation for Presentation to be More Confident One of the best ways to build confidence is to prepare thoroughly for your presentation. This means doing your research, gathering relevant data, creating a compelling story, and designing clear and e...

		1 JEEVAN RAOSAHIB Entrepreneur, India
	Gain Confidence Through Experience and the Fear for Presenting Will Diminish This phobia can be treated with confidence building and experience - exposure to different audiences. Preparing is a good habit and of course it will help only to research the topic to share a messag...

		1 kayode Fayemi Entrepreneur, Nigeria
	Constant Practice to Overcome Fear of Public Speaking One of the ways to overcome fear of public speaking is to gain confidence as stated by Jeevan Raosahib. Gaining confidence doesn't just come in a day but comes as a result of constant practice....

		4 Maurice Hogarth Consultant, United Kingdom
	Psycho-Motor Imagery Rehearsal and Stand Up Rehearsal for Presentations Proper Preparation Prevents P*** [Particularly] Poor Performance. You have a presentation to make, which has to be of some duration...: Write down the KEY WORDS (not sentences) that you wish to...

		1 Michael W Ringler Manager, United States
	Toastmasters Against Communication Apprehension/Fear of Presenting @Helen Strong: I loved your perspectives on the topic and concur Toastmasters is elemental to learning effective communications through speaking to others. Learning the skills and techniques in commun...

		1 kayode Fayemi Entrepreneur, Nigeria
	Visualization and Mental Rehearsal This mental practice involves imagining yourself in the public speaking scenario, visualizing your actions and practicing your speech in your mind to improve your ability to perform them. This visuali...

		2 v sharma HR Consultant, India
	My 5 Tips to Deal with Fear of Public Speaking For some with CA as they stand up their mind sits down. I was working in corporations for a good 30 years and never got a chance to speak in front of an audience. One day I quit and changed track to ...

		1 kayode Fayemi Entrepreneur, Nigeria
	Communication Apprehension is a Trait The trait theory states that some people are simply more likely than others to experience anxiety – it is essentially a personality trait or type. People suffering from this type of communication appr...