Helping the Nervous Presenter: Research and Prescriptions

Abstract

Nervousness, ranging from slight edginess to full-blown panic, plagues large numbers of adults and students whenever they are required to give oral presentations. An examination of textbooks and other sources shows most explanations for nervousness are based on folklore and on unsub stantiated psychoanalytic theorizing. Many of the remedies which have been offered are ineffec tive and, in some instances, counterproductive. An examination of research from several fields provides new explanations for presenter nervousness and reveals new techniques for managing the discomfort.