Practice makes perfect but does it help reduce communication apprehension?

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine if practicing a speech in class prior to its delivery was associated with lower public speaking apprehension, greater self‐perceived communication competence, and more willingness to communicate. To this end a pre/post‐test control group design was employed. Approximately, 1/3 of the participants took the pre‐tests, practiced their speeches, delivered their speeches, and completed the post‐tests. Another 1/3 of the participants took the pre‐tests, participated in small group activities, delivered their speeches, and completed the post‐tests. The final 1/3 completed the pre‐test package, delivered their speeches, and completed the post‐test package. Results indicated that high public speaking apprehensive students who practiced their speeches reported lower public speaking apprehension and felt more willing to communicate than those in the other conditions. Among other things, these findings suggest incorporating practice sessions into the daily activities of public speaking courses is of value.