Public speaking anxiety: Perceived competence and audience congeniality

This study examines the relations among public speaking anxiety, perceived competence, and perception of the audience before and after a speech. Students (N= 192) of introductory, university‐level public communication courses voluntarily participated. Results demonstrate that the group with highest anxiety showed the largest improvement in perceived competence and perception of audience pleasantness. The speaker's perception of the audience is discussed as a key factor in public speaking anxiety.