The effects of impromptu speech exercises on reducing trait and situational communication apprehension

Abstract

This study examines how the impromptu speech exercise affects trait and situational communication apprehension (CA). Subjects completed two graded speeches while some subjects presented an additional ungraded impromptu speech. Subjects in the control group did not present an impromptu speech. Trait CA was measured by using McCroskey's Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA) and Situational CA was measured by Clevenger's Speaker Anxiety Scale (SAS). Results indicated that subjects who completed the impromptu speech significantly lowered their situational CA. However, results indicated that trait CA was not significantly lowered.