An Initial Exploration of Students’ Mindsets, Attitudes, and Beliefs About Public Speaking

Abstract

This study investigated how students’ implicit theory that public speaking abilities can be developed and improved (i.e., growth mindset) was related to their apprehension, perceived competence, and beliefs regarding public speaking. Growth mindset was associated with lower apprehension and higher self-perceived competence. Growth mindset was also associated with the belief that public speaking involves reflection, revision, and adapting to one’s audience rather than merely transmitting information. Correlations were consistent with hypotheses.

Keywords:

• Beliefs
• Instruction
• Mindset
• Public Speaking