What Is Listener Anxiety?

Effective speeches and presentations require more than just a good topic or writing style. Understanding listener anxiety and what the audience experiences provide the speaker with tools necessary to reduce listener anxiety.

Anticipation

• Listeners become anxious when anticipating the next lines of a presentation. An ineffective speech can create boredom as a result.

Comprehension

• Anxiety is a result of a speech given without clear direction leaving the listener challenged with trying to grasp the comprehension.

Speaker

• Listener anxiety is also a result of the discomfort felt observing an ineffective, dull or nervous presenter. The listener feels the anxiety of the speaker.

Engagement

• The prospect of being called upon during a presentation creates anxiety for the listener.

Location

• The location of the presentation can create anxiety in listeners. Sitting uncomfortably, limited visibility, inconsistent temperatures and physical location are all anxiety promoting conditions for listeners.