Experimental Study of Public Speaking With and Without Audience in Undergraduates

Abstract This study aimed to compare the frequency of behavioral markers of anxiety between groups with and without an audience, against an experimental situation of public speaking. A total of 72 undergraduates participated, who responded to the Public Speaking Simulation Test, (TSFP), the Social Skills Inventory (IHS-Del-Prette), the Self Statements During Public Speaking Scale (SPSS), and the Sociodemographic and Occupational Questionnaire. The groups differed significantly considering most of the behavioral markers of anxiety, evaluated by the Public Speaking Register Protocol (PRFP), with higher frequency rates in the group with an audience. It was also found that the more elaborate is the social skills repertoire of an undergraduate, the more positive was his self-evaluation of his own performance in public speaking situations. It is suggested further research with a larger number of undergraduates with different levels of social anxiety, in order to allow the analysis of association between social skills, self-assessments when speaking in public, and social anxiety.