View the TEDTalk “Why I live in Mortal Dread of Public Speaking” http://www.ted.com/talks/megan_washington_why_i_live_in_mortal_dread_of_public_speaking. by Megan Washington (TEDx, 2014). Then, view the Sources of Communication Apprehension https://files.galencollege.edu/media/ADN/COM2105/SourcesofCommunicationApprehension/index.html presentation (adapted from Engleberg & Wynn, 2015). In light of the TEDTalk, the presentation, and your own experiences respond to the following questions:
What strikes you as most interesting about Ms. Washington’s talk?
Do you relate in any way to her talk or to the Sources of Communication Apprehension presentation?
If you had to pick one or two sources of communication apprehension that you feel relate to you, which ones would they be and how do you manage them?
Be sure to respond to your peers as well. As a note, aim for full credit and connect to a scholarly source beyond the TED Talk to show how the discussion ties to your studies in the course. For this post, an integration of a scholarly course should go beyond a mention of the apprehensions from the text above.
Analysis of Megan Washington’s TEDTalk and Sources of Communication Apprehension
Megan Washington’s TEDTalk
The most interesting aspect of Megan Washington’s TEDTalk is her vulnerability and open discussion about her personal struggle with public speaking. She shares her experiences with stuttering and how it has affected her confidence and ability to communicate effectively. It is admirable to see her courage in facing her fears and using her platform to raise awareness about speech impediments.
Relating to the Talk and Sources of Communication Apprehension
I can relate to both Megan Washington’s talk and the Sources of Communication Apprehension presentation. Like Washington, I have experienced anxiety and apprehension when it comes to public speaking or any situation that requires me to communicate in front of a group of people. This fear often stems from the fear of being judged, making mistakes, or being unable to articulate my thoughts clearly.
The Sources of Communication Apprehension presentation provides a comprehensive overview of the various factors that contribute to communication apprehension. This includes fear of evaluation, social norms and expectations, self-perception, lack of experience or skills, and cultural differences. These sources resonate with my own experiences and highlight the complex nature of communication apprehension.
Personal Sources of Communication Apprehension and Management
If I had to pick one or two sources of communication apprehension that I feel relate to me, they would be fear of evaluation and lack of experience or skills. The fear of evaluation stems from the concern of being judged negatively by others, leading to self-doubt and anxiety. This fear often results in a heightened self-consciousness during communication situations.
To manage this source of apprehension, I have found the following strategies helpful:
Preparation: Thoroughly preparing for a presentation or public speaking engagement helps boost my confidence. This includes researching the topic, organizing my thoughts, and practicing my delivery. The more prepared I am, the more at ease I feel during the actual communication event.
Positive Self-Talk: Engaging in positive self-talk before and during communication situations helps combat self-doubt and negative thoughts. Reminding myself of past successes and focusing on my strengths helps build confidence and reduces anxiety.
Seeking Feedback: Seeking constructive feedback from trusted individuals after a communication event allows me to gain valuable insights into my strengths and areas for improvement. This feedback helps me refine my skills and build confidence over time.
Practice and Experience: Actively seeking opportunities to practice public speaking or participating in group discussions helps build experience and familiarity with communication situations. The more I expose myself to these situations, the more comfortable I become over time.
Integrating scholarly research from the field of communication studies, a study by McCroskey and Richmond (1987) focuses on communication apprehension and its impact on interpersonal communication. It highlights the importance of identifying sources of apprehension and implementing strategies such as preparation, desensitization, and skill-building to manage communication anxiety effectively.
In conclusion,
Megan Washington’s TEDTalk resonates with my own experiences of communication apprehension, particularly with public speaking. The Sources of Communication Apprehension presentation provides a comprehensive understanding of the various factors that contribute to this anxiety. By acknowledging my personal sources of apprehension, such as fear of evaluation and lack of experience or skills, and implementing strategies like preparation, positive self-talk, seeking feedback, and gaining practice and experience, I can effectively manage my communication anxiety. Scholarly research supports the importance of addressing communication apprehension through strategies that enhance confidence and skill development.