Communication Management

Causes of Fear or Anxiety to Public Speaking

The fear of public speaking, also known as glossophobia, is a social phobia and affects four out of ten Americans. The social phobia causes the affected individual to experience anxiety or fear when speaking in front of a group which triggers discomfort often associated with trembling, sweating, and or racing heartbeat. Fear of public speaking results from the perception that one will feel embarrassed, judged or rejected. This often results from a previous experience of rejection judgement or embarrassment when presenting in front of a group. Sometimes social phobias are hereditary and hence can run in families. However, fear of public speaking is standard and can be treated (Legg, 2019).

Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a common technique for treating anxiety or fear of public speaking. Working with a therapist can help one identify the root cause of the anxiety. However, sometimes therapy doesn't relieve the symptoms of public speaking fear; hence, some may treat anxiety disorders.  Some of them comprise beta-blockers that treat high blood pressure and heart disorders. However, these medications should only be used in severe anxiety of public speaking. Other techniques that manage social phobia encompass understanding discussion, getting organized, practicing beforehand and challenging particular worries that escalate social phobia. In addition, deep breathing before presenting and focusing on content instead of the audience can be helpful (Sawchuk, 2017).

Using Humor or Jokes in Speeches

Humor is an excellent approach to making the audience active and keeping it entertaining. However, one must consider some aspects and hence use humor or jokes sparing. For instance, the joke should not be used at the expense of others and should not target a specific audience segment. Moreover, one should pick clean jokes that do not depend on profanity when making a point. Knowing the audience is also critical to ensure that the type of jokes or humor used during the presentation aligns with its culture, perception, or interests. Moreover, using topical humor is essential and can be achieved by finding out more about the group, investigating their customs, history, and special observance of the group (Zimmer, 2018).

Benefits and Dangers of Reading a Speech or Using notes

The benefits of using notes or reading speech include reinforcing the performer to gain more confidence because even if one forgets what they want to speak, they can always refer to the notes or the speech booklet. It saves time because it takes a lot to practice and rehearse for the speech. Reading an address or using notes when presenting can also ensure that the content delivery aligns with the requirement. However, such an approach also has some dangers, encompassing a lack of opportunity to interact with the audience. One cannot maintain eye contact and inability to read the audience given that the presenter does not have a chance to analyze the mood and attitude of the audience (Thapa, 2018).

The Role of Direct Questions During Presentation

Direct questions during the presentation are essential in keeping the attention of the audience. The immediate question is a vital session because it stimulates the audience intellectually and develops an exciting atmosphere. Direct questions often become an eye-opener towards a different and new area of research. Such questions focus on deepening the audience's understanding and reinforcing the exchange of ideas among everyone in the venue. Furthermore, asking direct questions ensures that the audience stays engaged and is not distracted because of the length of the presentation or speech. Asking questions, therefore, makes them alert, bringing their attention to the address (Lumen Learning, 2020).