| Public speaking is one of the greatest fears of human beings (Cunningham, Lefkoe & Sechrest, 2006). However, excellent oral communication is also one of the top skills that employers look for when hiring individuals (Selvadurai, Choy & Maros, 2012). Only seven percent of communication accounts for the verbal content of a message, whereas vocal cues ("uh, um, err," etc.) account for thirty-eight percent, and visual perception for fifty-five percent (Butler, 1984). Therefore, it is imperative that researchers study this subject in more depth. This study seeks to provide research and knowledge about the link between nonverbal communication and the fear of public speaking to discover whether nonverbal communication can help or hinder the fear and anxiety one experiences. A thematic analysis and a content analysis with regard to analytic induction were conducted to compare and contrast in-depth interviews between highly apprehensive public speaking students and public speaking professionals. This will reflect on differences in experience level and the experiences themselves that these individuals have had. Burgoon's Nonverbal Expectancy Violation Model (1976) was applied to the study. Findings revealed that nonverbal communication can portray communication apprehension and can help to reduce anxiety in those who struggle with it. |
