The timing of speech anxiety reduction treatments in the public speaking classroom

Abstract

This experiment examines the timing of visualization treatment and its effects on public speaking anxiety, a subject neglected in the communication apprehension literature thus far. The study utilized pre and posttests on two experimental groups and one control group. Members of one experimental group received the anxiety reduction treatment one week before their speeches and those in the second group received the anxiety reduction treatment one day before their speeches. The control group received no treatment. The results indicate some significant differences based on the presence or absence of the visualization treatment along with one's level of previous experience in public speaking. Limitations and directions for future research are also provided.