Situational factors and audience anxiety

Abstract

This study examined whether variations in five audience characteristics [size, status, familiarity, similarity, and behavior] were related to audience anxiety as per Buss’ (1980) formulation or Beatty's (1988) formulation. Buss argues that variations in situational factors are sufficient to produce audience anxiety in speakers, while Beatty contends that the effect of situational factors are greatly tempered by an individual's predisposition to respond anxiously. These data support Beatty's contention. The paper concludes with a discussion of the instructional implications of these findings.