Testing a refinement in an intervention for communication apprehension

An examination of the impact of performance visualization

“…In particular, it was expected that exposure to performance visualization would lead high PSAs to construct more positive, vivid, "in control" images compared to the images constructed by high PSAs exposed to control and placebo conditions. As has been found in related research (Ayres, Heuett, & Sonandre, 1998), it was also expected that high PSAs exposed to performance visualization would report lower levels of PSA, state CA, willingness to communicate, and self-perceived communication competence than would those in the control and placebo conditions.…”

Effects of Imagined Interactions and Rehearsal on Speaking Performance

“…In VIS, speakers are instructed to relax using systematic desensitization and to visualize success, and the treatment increases both a willingness to communicate and perceptions that individuals are competent communicators (Ayres et al, 1998). However, Beatty (1988) reported that this treatment did not necessarily reduce felt anxiety but had the potential to exacerbate that anxiety by insufficiently addressing the verbal or content aspects of a communicative encounter.…”

“…Research by Ayres, Heuett, and Sonandre (1998) found that high CAs in general avoid preparing, use minimal verbal and nonverbal communication, and avoid thinking about interviews (see also Daly, Vangelisti, & Weber, 1995). As such, it is no surprise that many of the remediation techniques forwarded to mitigate the impact of CA involve imagining the encounter, thereby reducing fear of the unknown (for review see Bodie, 2010).…”

An examination of the long term effect of performance visualization

“…Reading such material does not appear to affect public speaking apprehension (Ayres, Heuett & Sonandre, 1998).…”