Year of Award

2012

Document Type

Professional Paper

Degree Type

Master of Arts (MA)

Degree Name

Communication Studies

Department or School/College

Department of Communication Studies

Committee Chair

Betsy Bach

Commitee Members

Stephen Yoshimura, Trent Atkins

Keywords

Communication apprehension, non-verbal social support, responsiveness, speech anxiety

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to construct a training program designed specifically for college students struggling with Communication Apprehension in the public speaking context. Research has consistently found that perceived responsiveness acts as one form of social support, and social support has been found to decrease stress (Maisel, Gable, & Strachman, 2008). Given the fact that anxiety is stressful, the purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between perceived responsiveness of an audience and CA. Using data from an earlier pilot study measuring for correlation between CA and perceived responsiveness in one‟s close relational partner, and using several focus groups as means for additional analysis, a training module was developed that provides responsiveness training as a means to reduce speech anxiety. The training plan modeled that of Beebe, Mottet, & Roach‟s (2013) Needs Centered Training Model, due to it‟s high needs centered approach (Beebe, Mottet, & Roach, 2013).

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© Copyright 2012 Elise Alexandra Fanney