Communication apprehension and speech preparation time

Abstract

This study tested whether speech preparation time was linked to communication apprehension (CA). Data reported herein indicate that high CA speakers required more preparation time than low CA speakers. Those expecting to be evaluated used more preparation time than those not expecting to be evaluated. CA interacted with evaluation such that high CAs expecting to be evaluated took longer to prepare their speeches than those in the other conditions. The implications of these results are discussed in the conclusion of this paper.