Treating Public Speaking Problems

Abstract

Two studies are reported that examine the value of various components of a skills training program for ineffective public-speakers. The first study demonstrated the value of prolonged practice (flooding) in the reduction of the anxiety associated with speaking, while the second study showed that there were few differences between instructions plus modeling, on the one hand, and videotape feedback plus discussion, on the other. Only in terms of appropriate speaking behaviors was performance feedback superior to instructions and modeling. Both studies indicated that the combination of all elements was the most effective procedure, with the replacement, in the present series, of desensitization by flooding producing the most powerful and time-efficient program yet evaluated.