Communicator style perceptions as a function of communication apprehension

Abstract

As a trait‐like construct, communication apprehension purports to reflect a predisposition to behave in a predictable manner across a variety of communicative contexts. Central to all communicative contexts are the perceptions people generate about their fellow interactants. Such perceptual judgments are made if, in fact, communication has taken place. Among these are judgments about communicator style. Attributed communicator style should be related to communication apprehension levels. If not, then communication apprehension may be useful as an index of internal tension, but not as an index of how people respond to such self‐reported internal tension. This research sought to investigate whether others' perceptions of communicator style could be differentiated by levels of self‐reported communication apprehension.