Help now available for students with anxiety about public speaking  

Students who experience anxiety at even the thought of public speaking, whether it be in an informal or formal setting, now have help at the Pitt State Communication Center's new simulation lab and state-of-the-art technology. 

Professor Alicia Mason, who oversees a team of graduate teaching assistants responsible for about 550 students in speech classes each year, understands the apprehension many students face when it comes to speaking in front of others: Mason herself does not enjoy it at all. 

“Speaking in front of people can be a bit gut-wrenching for me,” said Mason (MA ‘06). “I recognize those needs in students.” 

State guidelines require students to complete at least three speeches in a live setting. Up to 25 percent of students report high levels of communication apprehension, which can manifest in no-shows on speech day — an avoidance strategy. 

Surveys showed they were experiencing extreme anxiety at even the thought of speaking in front of groups of people. 

Adding tools and resources to the existing Communication Center was the answer. A grant Mason wrote will provide funding for two years.  

“We only have them here for so long, so let’s make a difference that will pay off long-term for them,” she said. “It’s not just about them getting a grade in a speech class. They will use these abilities the rest of their lives.” 

Tools and resources include: 

• • Visualization chairs in which students can lean back, relax, and listen to a recording of Ben Thomas, a graduate teaching assistant in the Communication Department, walking them through the process of giving their speech.
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• • Ovation, a virtual reality software used in a simulation lab with a Metaquest 3 headset. The technology gives students real-time feedback, rates aspects like their speed and delivery, and makes recommendations.
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• • A low-light environment created by Jake Forsythe (BST ‘23), a master’s student in Science and Technology who serves as a graduate teaching assistant in the Communication Department.
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• • In-person consults that cover topics like note taking and organization, delivery, and more. 

“For people who are terrified, this is a form of exposure therapy,” Mason explained. 

On the horizon:

Furthering the use of Ovation this fall in interpersonal communication scenarios such as a first date, a job interview, or with a co-worker, and an online scheduling system for making appointments. 

“It will allow people to practice skills that are difficult to navigate, and it can be lifechanging,” Mason said. “This is designed to help people overcome barriers.” 

About the Communication Center 

The Communication Center, previously located in Axe Library, recently relocated to the second floor of Grubbs Hall, home to the Communication Department. This provides a closer proximity to faculty, staff, and graduate teaching assistants.  

It is open to all PSU students, regardless of major or whether they are enrolled in a speech class.  

Learn more:  

Pitt State Communication Center