Lindsay is a fairly typical student in an introductory speech class. Her anxiety about giving speeches is by no means crippling, but she doesn't feel especially confident about her abilities. Based on what you've learned in this chapter, what advice would you give to help Lindsay build her self-confidence?

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The Answer is Ideal answers will identify that Lindsay is not in need of intensive work to reduce her anxiety, so no discussion of professional help is needed. Instead, the emphasis should be on helping her see that nervousness is normal and that preparation and practice can help alleviate the stress, help ensure her success, and build her confidence. The following steps are listed in the text for building confidence: •Develop a constructive attitude toward fear and anxiety. •Grab every opportunity to prepare and practice for a presentation. •Remind yourself that your listeners want you to succeed. •Consider worst-case scenarios and prepare a plan of action on how to avoid them. •Modify your thoughts and attitudes in a positive way. •Visualize your success. •Use relaxation techniques such as stretching, deep breathing, and positive visualization. •Depersonalize the situation and realize people are judging the presentation and not you.

Lindsay Is a Fairly Typical Student in an Introductory Speech