Oral Communication
The purpose of this exercise is to help you understand and adapt to your level of communication apprehension. Once you are able to identify where and why you may experience communication apprehension, you can work toward reducing anxiety.
• The instrument is composed of thirty-four statements concerning feelings about communicating with other people.
• Work quickly; just record your first impression.
• The following link shows two options: I want to assess my speaking anxiety or I want to view my statistics. Choose the first option: I want to assess my speaking anxiety.
• You will be asked to choose your gender by clicking on male or female, and to identify the state in which you live.
• To receive the results by email, include email addresses for both yourself and your instructor.
Scores range from 34-170. Most people score in the moderate to high categories. How did you do?
To access the test, click:http://www.wadsworth.com/communication_d/templates/student_resources/053455170X_sellnow/psa/main_frame.htm
When you are finished, use the chart below to assess your scores.
|
Score
|
Anxiety about Public Speaking
|
|
34-84
|
Low (5% of people)
|
|
85-92
|
Moderately low (5%)
|
|
93-110
|
Moderate (20%)
|
|
111-119
|
Moderately high (30%)
|
|
120-170
|
High (40%)
|
After completing the test, write a paper detailing and critically analyzing the following:
• How did you feel about the specific questions on the test? What are some ways you can use the test results to your advantage?
• How did you feel about your score, and what thoughts do you have on how you could improve it? Based on your results, how can you improve your speaking skills?
• Explain and expand your thoughts on how taking this oral communication course will help you in delivering your speeches.
Be sure to incorporate any ideas from the class lecture pages and discussions, as well as the module readings. Your paper should be well written, three to four pages long, and written in accordance with APA writing expectations.