The communication anxiety graph: A classroom tool for managing speech anxiety

Although speech anxiety is treated as a constant in speech communication research, speech teachers and speakers know that anxiety levels change during the course of one speech event This essay describes the Communication Anxiety Graph, a tool classroom teachers can use to help student speakers trace the pattern of their anxiety during one speech event. The data obtained from the graph can be consulted when planning future speeches to better aid in the management of speech anxiety and preparing, in particular, for the speech anxiety peak moments. Suggestions for use in the speech classroom, and specific advice for speakers based on when their anxiety peak may occur are provided.