1. COMMUNICATION APPREHENSION DEFINED:
“An individual level of fear,
anxiety or nervousness
connected with either real or
anticipated communication
with another person or
persons.”- Holbrook, Hilary Taylor. "Communication
Apprehension: The Quiet Student in Your Classroom". ERIC Digest.
1987. ERIC Clearinghouse on Reading and Communication skills
Urbana IL. November 2, 2008. <http://www.ericdigests.org/pre-
926/quiet.htm>

2. PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS OF STAGE FRIGHT
1.Hands are sweaty.
2.Cheeks are flushed.
3.Perspiration gathers on your
brow.
4.Heart is racing (beating really
fast).
5.May feel sick to your stomach;
nausea.

3. THE BODY’S RESPONSE TO STRESS
• Adrenaline is an example of how the human
body adapted to handle dangerous and
stressful situations.
• Adrenaline helps the body to perform at higher
levels than its normal functions.
• You get more blood flowing and oxygen going
all over your body.
• It restricts your body’s pain receptors. If you are
injured, you will not feel pain until the stressor
is gone.

4. CAUSES OF COMMUNICATION APPREHENSION
“I had a previous experience, and it was bad.”
“This is totally new experience. I have no idea
what to expect.”
“I am worried about the effect that this
communication may have on my life.”
“I don’t like people looking at me; it makes me
uncomfortable.”
“I don’t think that anyone here wants to hear
what I have to say.”
“I feel like everyone’s really tense; talking
can’t possibly ease the mood.”

5. START!
Waiting keeps the source of stress present
in your mind. You can’t stop the
adrenaline until you start the
communication.

6. BREATHE!
By inhaling deeply and slowly, you will
force your heart rate down.
This will help you to feel calm.

7. BE PREPARED!
Know that you have covered
everything that you need to cover,
and make notes, if applicable, to

8. BE REALISTIC!
You won’t be crowned “King of
Presenters”; no one will worship
you after this. On the other hand,
you won’t die; you can’t destroy
civilization as we know it. The
effects will be somewhere in
between those extremes, leaning
towards the positive.

9. PRACTICE!
If you feel unsure, do a run through in the space, in
front of a mirror, in front of a trusted friend, in front
of your family pet.