Evaluation sensitivity and physical sensations of stress as components of public speaking state anxiety

Abstract

According to Gray's (1991) reinforcement sensitivity theory, state anxiety is triggered by situations involving threat or punishment and involves sensations in the body often described as discomfort in the chest or stomach. In this study, physical sensations of speaker discomfort experienced during public speaking and a measure of punishment sensitivity (fear of negative evaluation) served as predictors of state anxiety during speaking. Participants presented five‐minute informative speeches to classmates. Immediately following these presentations, speakers completed the Spielberger STAI (A‐State) and the Body Sensations Questionnaire. Fear of negative evaluation and symptoms of physical discomfort accounted for 57% of the variance in public speaking state anxiety. These findings are consistent with the reinforcement sensitivity model of state anxiety. Suggestions for future research and pedagogical implications are presented.