COMM 107 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Systematic Desensitization, Uncertainty Reduction Theory

• School: University of Maryland
• Department: Communication
• Course: COMM 107
• Professor: all

Document Summary

Speech anxiety: a fear of public speaking and the nervousness that accompanies it. Keep it short and to the point. Fight-or-flight response: physiological defense alarm process triggered by stress. Dysfunctional speech anxiety: occurs when the intensity of the fight or flight response prevents one from giving an effective speech. Functional speech anxiety: fight or flight response is managed and stimulates an optimum presentation. The degree of anxiety and your ability to manage it, not the anxiety itself, determines the difference. Do not make zero anxiety your goal. Self defeating thoughts that can sabotage your speech are grounded on the concern that audience members will judge you/reject you. Flawless public speaking is an unreasonable goal. Desire for complete approval: trying not to offend. The illusion of transparency: being nervous about looking nervous. Uncertainty reduction theory: as you gain experience speaking in front of groups, the novelty wears off, uncertainty is reduced, and anxiety consequently diminishes.