Speaking Up Without Freaking Out | Matt Abrahams | TEDxPaloAlto
TEDx Talks・11 minutes read
A 14-year-old boy named Matt experiences anxiety and wardrobe malfunction during a speech contest, highlighting the impact of anxiety on communication; research shows that most people feel anxious in high-stakes speaking situations, demonstrating the importance of managing anxiety to improve communication effectiveness. Anxiety in communication stems from evolution and techniques to manage it include addressing physiological and cognitive symptoms, along with strategies like having a structured plan for communication and reframing it as a conversation.
Insights
- Anxiety in high-stakes speaking situations is prevalent, with 85% of individuals experiencing it, highlighting the common challenge many face in communication.
- Effective communication requires managing anxiety through addressing physical and mental symptoms, implementing strategies like structured planning, audience redirection, and reframing the interaction as a conversation rather than a performance.
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Recent questions
How common is communication anxiety?
Very common, with 85% experiencing anxiety.
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Summary
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Anxiety's Impact on Communication: Strategies for Success
- A 14-year-old boy, Matt, experiences anxiety and embarrassment during a speech contest at high school.
- Matt's anxiety leads to a wardrobe malfunction during his karate presentation, teaching him the impact of anxiety on communication.
- Research shows that 85% of people feel anxious in high-stakes speaking situations, emphasizing the commonality of communication anxiety.
- Managing anxiety is crucial for effective communication, benefiting both the speaker and the audience.
- Anxiety stems from evolution, where relative status within a group was vital for survival, leading to constant surveillance of status.
- Techniques to manage anxiety include addressing physiological symptoms like shaking and perspiration, as well as cognitive symptoms like self-doubt.
- Strategies to manage anxiety sources involve having a structured plan for communication, redirecting audience attention, and reframing communication as a conversation rather than a performance.
