Assess Your Public Speaking Anxiety, Part 1
Name: ________________________
Take this test to self-assess your anxiety regarding public speaking. In the blank beside the statement, write the number
of the response that best reflects your feelings.
0 = Strongly disagree
1 = Disagree
2 = Agree
3 = Strongly agree
__________
I begin to get nervous the moment the speech is assigned.
__________
I feel panicky because I don’t know how to create a speech.
__________
I usually feel nervous the day before I have to speak.
__________
The night before the speech, I can’t sleep well.
__________
I’m afraid people will think I’m dumb or boring or weird in some way.
__________
On the morning of the speech, I am really tense.
__________
I find it difficult to think positively about giving a speech.
__________
I think my physical reactions are greater than those other people experience.
__________
During my speech, I actually think I’ll faint.
__________
I continue to worry even after the speech is over.
Add Your Scores
__________
Total score
0-5
6-15
16-25
26-30
You are virtually fearless.
Your level of anxiety is quite normal.
Your level of anxiety may give you problems.
Go back and look at the areas that bother you the most, and develop specific
strategies from this chapter to help you with your unique stresses.
Answer with at least one well-developed paragraph.
How was your score? Where do you see the greatest need for improvement? What are your areas of strength? List three
specific goals you have for improving your speaking skills this term.