Playing with improv theatre to battle public speaking anxiety
Submitted by:
Jordi Casteleyn
Abstract:
In psychology studies, public speaking anxiety (PSA) is widely recognized as a distinct subtype of social phobia (Blöte et al, 2009), but L1 education and research seem to largely ignore this trait when referring to public speaking, although giving a presentation is a common sight in education. Psychology studies also show that cognitive modification, systematic desensitization and skills training are all successful treatments of PSA. This study aims at lowering PSA via an innovative intervention program, which combines all three aforementioned treatments into a well-defined learning environment. More specifically, we adopted the principles of improv(isational) theatre training (conquering anxiety, accepting failure, etc.) and introduced them into a unique setting within a L1 classroom in Flanders (Belgium): two classes in secondary education, and an optional course at university. In this respect we were inspired by the research design in the study on the teaching of charisma by Antonakis, et al (2011). In a mixed-design intervention study we assessed the impact of our program with a control group with a pre- and posttest of the personal report of confidence as a speaker (Hook et al., 2008) and videos of a public speaking exercise. This paper discusses the results of this study which was conducted in February 2017, and comments on the future potential of improv theatre in L1 education research.
References
Antonakis, Fenley, & Liechti (2011). Can charisma be taught? Tests of two interventions. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 10(3), 374-396.
Blöte, Kint, Miers, & Westenberg (2009). The relation between public speaking anxiety and social anxiety: A review. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 23, 305-313 .
Hook, Smith, & Valentiner (2008). A short-form of the personal report of confidence as a speaker. Personality and Individual Differences, 44, 1306-1313.