Performance Anxiety: Loss of the Spoken Edge

Abstract

The study aimed to assess whether a specific training program in vocal and physical skills could reduce the level of perceived performance anxiety. Eighteen undergraduate performing arts students were divided into two even groups. The experimental group experienced 10 two-hour sessions in a specialized vocal and physical skills training program. The control group received the same number of sessions in text analysis by the same teacher. Ten weeks after the training period, both groups were videotaped delivering a short speech of general interest. The videotaped material was assessed by four judges, using a visual analog scale (VAS). Perceptual variables considered were eight vocal and physical features: physical ease, physical presence, effective gesture use, effective eye contact, correct breath use, suitable pace, vocal variety, speech clarity, and one performance feature: perceived performance anxiety. Results indicated that the particular vocal and physical skills training program used showed positive results in effectively reducing the level of perceived performance anxiety. The experimental group scored significantly higher on each of the eight vocal and physical features and significantly lower on the perceived anxiety feature than the control group. This research has implications for those affected by performance anxiety in vocal presentation.