ABSTRACT
From the earliest speeches to the present, across formal and informal opportunities among varied audiences, one thing is clear: Where there are speeches, there is speech anxiety. For some, it is a rush of adrenaline and a brief, annoying discomfort; for many, it is a formidable obstacle complete with real physical and physiological symptoms; and for others, it is a debilitating and excruciating challenge. A wealth of literature clearly supports that speech anxiety is real, experienced by everyone to some degree at some point, and, most encouragingly, manageable. Effective management is key to empowering everyone to share their stories in authentic and meaningful ways and will guide this chapter. The literature supports three simple ways to effectively manage speech anxiety in the public speaking course: 1) Acknowledge the reality of speech anxiety, its variability, and its effect on students, 2) reframe what we regard as “good public speaking” in a way that is more nuanced, story-focused, and authentic for all presenters, opportunities, and audiences while rejecting the ”one size fits all” approach, and 3) empower all students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to develop their own authentic communication style that is genuine to their truth, culture, and lived experiences.
