Exam 2: Improving Your Confidence

According to the text, how does learning about your audience reduce speaking anxiety?

Jason has thoroughly researched his speech on the art of tattooing. He had many different types of supporting material, and the speech was well organized. He finished writing the speech the day before itwasdue and was certain that this was a great speech. Right before the speech, he printed out his complete outline, and used this when presenting his speech to the class, essentially reading directly from it. Which of the following statements BEST pertains to this situation?

Felicia always gets really nervous before speaking in public, so she decided to face her fear and join the public speaking organization Toastmasters. In this example, Felicia has chosen to reduce herspeaking anxiety by

The closer to the time came for Dennis to present his speech, the more anxious he became. While watching the speech just before his, Dennis felt his heart pounding and felt as though he would forgeteverything he planned to say. Which of the following statements BEST reflects this situation?

Actually visualizing yourself in the room in which the speech will take place and imagining audience applause will only make you more nervous.

Before delivering her speech, Jean closed her eyes and pictured herself walking confidently in front of the audience and delivering her well-prepared opening remarks. She imagined herself giving theentirespeech as a controlled, confident speaker. In this example, Jean is

The most experienced speakers are usually _____ speakers.

In one classic survey, respondents said that they were more afraid of public speaking than of death.

Which speaking apprehension style applies to most people?

Tara was really nervous before her final class speech, but she just kept concentrating on how important she believed her message to be. She felt convinced in her message, and that conviction finallyhelpedher to dispel her nervousness before the presentation. Which tip about developing confidence in public speaking does this example reflect?

You will be less nervous if you speak on a topic with which you have had experience.

_____ speakers have the most anxiety and highest heart rates as they begin speaking, then taper off to average levels as they continue.

Which of the following traits is linked to increased speaking apprehension?

Insensitive speakers feel high levels of anxiety, and show the highest heart rates, all the way through their speeches.

If you are really anxious about speaking, replace any negative, anxious thoughts with positive messages.

Grace knew her speech backwards and forwards. She rehearsed it over and over, timing it to make sure she didn't run over the time limit. When she actually delivered the speech, she found herself muchlessnervous and much more confident than she expected to be. Which guideline for developing confidence provided in your text applies here?

According to the text, when you feel the physical symptoms of anxiety you should

The more nervous you get when speaking, the more you should seek opportunities to speak.

_____ speakers feel high levels of anxiety, and show the highest heart rates, all the way through their speeches.

When practicing your speech, you should rehearse the speech mentally to yourself; practicing out loud will only make you more nervous.