Abstract This paper states that communication apprehension is a problem for much of the population. The paper then goes on to analyze communication apprehension in a group of teachers using relevant theoretical concepts and perspectives. The paper also makes recommendations on how the problem can be resolved, based on interpersonal communication perspectives. The paper reviews the literature relating to communication apprehension and states that there are differences to consider in the manner in which males and females communicate.
Outline:
Introduction
Communication Apprehension Examined
Characteristics Of Communication Anxiety
Six Typical Cognitive Distortions Identified
Strategies For Coping With Communication Apprehension
Peer Feedback: Enabling Communication Skills
Differences In The Way Males And Females Communicate
Summary & Conclusion
From the Paper "The work of Horwitz entitled: "Communication Apprehension: Origins and Management" states that the "treatment of communication apprehension is a natural fit for speech-language pathologists because many patients with clearly diagnosed communication disorders have anxiety about communicating that may or not may not be related to their presenting problems. In addition, speaking anxiety is a common universal problem among people without communication disorders." These reasons according to Horwitz, is convincing that ..."the study of communication apprehension warrants the attention of speech-language pathologists who can, with additional training, easily develop the expertise to treat the multitude of people who suffer from this problem." (2001) Horwitz relates that the work of Marshall (1994) states findings that thirty percent to forty percent "of the general population considered public speaking their number one fear, surpassing fears of heights, sickness, loneliness, and the dark."
The paper examines how poor speaking and communication skills can impact on an individual's educational achievements and his ability to interact with those around him and also presents proposals for alleviating communication apprehension.
Abstract The writer of the paper contends that speaking in public is probably one of the hardest things in life confronting most people today and that people who experience high levels of communication apprehension have been shown to score lower on college entrance examinations, have lower overall grade point averages and have been found to be at a higher risk for dropping out of college compared with those with low communication apprehension levels. In the paper, the writer attempts to identify the importance of communicating in today's team-based work environment; to identify the importance of communicating in everyday life; to determine the quantity and quality of talk of an apprehensive individual; to determine the perceptions of other group members; and to deliver guidelines for coping with communication apprehension that can be readily applied by most people today. The paper's writer also interpolates a critical review of the literature with the results of a survey of currently employed individuals to help answer the research questions. A summary of the research and salient findings are presented in the concluding chapter. The paper includes a number of graphs and one appendix which is a copy of a questionnaire used in the research.
Outline:
Abstract
Chapter 1: Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of Study
Importance of Study
Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature
Chapter 3: Methodology
Description of the Study Approach
Data-gathering Method and Database of Study
Chapter 4: Findings
Chapter 5: Discussion
Chapter 6: Summary and Conclusions
References
Appendix
From the Paper "Individuals who suffer from high levels of communication apprehension have been shown to score lower on college entrance examinations, have lower overall grade point averages and have been found to be at a higher risk for dropping out of college compared with those with low communication apprehension levels (Greene & Burleson). Moreover, people with high levels of communication apprehension have been found to be regarded as being less competent, composed, and attractive compared with more gregarious individuals (Greene & Burleson). In addition, these high communication apprehension level individuals are also less likely to receive job interviews and, when hired, are less likely to seek career advancement. The negative consequences associated with communication apprehension have been found to result in an overall diminished sense of self. The vast majority of research on communication apprehension has been directed toward helping college students manage their anxiety in the context of a basic public speaking course; in addition, communication researchers have documented the impact of instruction on reducing apprehension and improving competence and success. Of all of the treatment approaches investigated to date, the three most popular treatments of communication apprehension involve one or more of the following: skills training, systematic desensitization, and cognitive modification and restructuring, with skills training being the most common technique used (Greene & Burleson)."
