Gender differences in public speaking anxiety across formal and informal settings

Public speaking anxiety (PSA), also known as glossophobia, is one of the most prevalent social anxieties affecting individuals across demographic groups. This study examined gender differences in public speaking anxiety across formal and informal speaking settings among 200 university students (100 male, 100 female). Using McCroskey's Personal Report of Public Speaking Anxiety (PRPSA), participants reported their anxiety levels for both formal settings (e.g., structured presentations, academic speeches) and informal settings (e.g., classroom discussions, small group conversations). Results revealed that female participants reported significantly higher PSA levels than males in both settings. However, the gender gap was more pronounced in formal settings, where female participants exhibited considerably higher anxiety scores compared to informal contexts. These findings align with prior research documenting females' elevated anxiety levels in public speaking situations, while extending the literature by demonstrating that the formal-informal setting distinction moderates this gender difference. The study underscores the importance of context-sensitive, gender-responsive interventions in educational and professional settings.