2.4: Glossary

Audience communication apprehension: Audience communication apprehension is anxiety caused by who you are speaking to, such as a professor, boss, or large group. It can be triggered by factors like audience size, power differences, or familiarity.

Belly breathing: A deep breathing technique that focuses on expanding the abdomen instead of the chest. It helps relax the body and reduce stress by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.

Cognitive restructuring: A strategy that involves changing negative thoughts into more helpful or positive ones. It helps speakers manage anxiety by replacing fearful thinking with supportive inner dialogue.

Communication apprehension: The fear or anxiety people feel before or during communication with others. It can occur in public speaking, small groups, or one-on-one conversations.

Context communication apprehension: Context communication apprehension is fear triggered by the specific setting or situation, such as formal events, interviews, or unfamiliar environments.

Cortisol: A hormone released by the body during stress. High levels of cortisol can cause physical symptoms like a racing heart, but managing stress helps keep it in balance.

Fight or flight response: A natural reaction by the body to a perceived threat or stress. It prepares you to either confront (fight) or escape (flight) the situation by increasing heart rate, speeding up breathing, and releasing stress hormones like adrenaline. In public speaking, this response can cause symptoms such as shaky hands, dry mouth, or a racing heart, even though there’s no physical danger.

Growth mindset: The belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. A growth mindset encourages individuals to view challenges and failures as opportunities for growth rather than as indicators of fixed ability.

Midcingulate Cortex (MCC): A region of the brain involved in regulating stress, motivation, and self-control. The MCC helps manage emotional and physical responses to challenging situations, such as public speaking. Research shows that repeated exposure to uncomfortable tasks, like giving speeches, can strengthen this area of the brain, making it easier to handle anxiety and build resilience over time.

Negative self-talk: Inner thoughts or messages that are critical, discouraging, or self-defeating, such as “I’ll mess up” or “I’m not good at this.” It can increase anxiety and lower confidence.

Novelty: The feeling of something being new or unfamiliar. In public speaking, novelty can increase anxiety because the situation feels unpredictable or unknown.

Oxytocin: A hormone released during stress that encourages bonding and connection with others. It supports heart health and helps reduce anxiety when we seek social support.

Physiological: Relating to the body’s physical processes. In public speaking, physiological symptoms include a racing heart, sweating, or shaking—normal reactions to stress.

Positive self-talk: Supportive inner messages that build confidence, like “I’ve got this” or “I’m prepared.” It can replace anxiety-producing thoughts with calming, encouraging ones.

Positive visualization: A mental strategy where you imagine yourself giving a successful speech. It helps prepare the mind and body by building confidence and lowering stress.

Situation communication apprehension: Situational communication apprehension happens in specific moments, such as speaking in front of a large audience for the first time. It is usually short-term and manageable.

Skills training: Practicing communication techniques such as breathing, rehearsal, and eye contact. With consistent practice, skills training helps reduce fear and improve performance.

Systematic desensitization: A method for reducing fear by gradually exposing yourself to the thing that causes anxiety. In public speaking, it involves slow, repeated practice combined with relaxation techniques.

Trait communication apprehension: Trait communication apprehension is a general tendency to feel anxious in most or all communication situations. It is based on personality but can improve with support and experience.