A Description of the Approaches to Communication Apprehension

Abstract

The relationship between speech and personality has been an area of study for many years and is understood to reflect both self-identity and communication proficiency. This thesis project surveys the major methods utilized in the treatment of communication apprehension, commonly described as stage fright or speech anxiety, specifically an “average person” in an educational setting. The research was centered on a clarifying question - what are the major methods of treating communication apprehension as revealed through a survey of textbooks and journals? The literature research notes several causes of speech tension such as societal expectations and performance guilt and further explores the human response to stress in relation to public speaking. It discusses the differing definitions by scholars, and explores systematic desensitization, its practices and effectiveness. Closing comments encourage the integration of basic communication skills training to improve student’s social and academic lives.