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Public Speaking Anxiety Management

Are you looking for help with managing your public speaking anxiety? If so, then you've come to the right place!

On-campus Resources

COM 160 (MANAGING PUBLIC SPEAKING ANXIETY). This course assists highly apprehensive students in developing strategies to manage public speaking anxiety. The communication needs of each student are identified and individualized action plans are developed. Graded pass/fail. Prerequisite: instructor permission. Corequisite: COM 161. 1 credit hour, typically offered on Tuesdays from 1:30-2:20 and taught by Dr. Tillson.

COM 161 (INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC SPEAKING). Organization and presentation of ideas through participation in frequent speech activities. Students present speeches to inform, solve problems, and persuade. Communication needs of the individual students are considered and guidance is given by the instructor. Multiple sections are available each semester. 3 credit hours.

RACER ORAL COMMUNICATION CENTER. The ROCC, located in Waterfield Library, assists students with the development and presentation of oral communication projects.  Services include idea generation and planning, outlining and research assistance, topic and support development, and 1:1 practice sessions. Visit the website for more information and to schedule an appointment.

COM 161 LIBRARY GUIDE.  This page provides basic information on how to get started, create a plan, locate reference material, and cite sources in a speech.

MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY COUNSELING CENTER. Licensed mental health professionals are available to provide a variety of counseling services for the MSU community.  Discussions are confidential and free of charge.  

C104 Oakley Applied Science Building               
(270) – 809- 6851               
msu.counselingcenter@murraystate.edu

Internet Resources

GINGER PUBLIC SPEAKING BLOG
Sarah Lloyd-Hughes’ extensive website covers a wide range of public speaking issues.

100 TOP PUBLIC SPEAKING TIPS 
Jezra Kaye, President of Speak Up for Success, offers a variety of suggestions with links to additional resources. 

RELAXATION RECORDINGS / HARRY S. TRUMAN MEMORIAL VETERANS' HOSPITAL / U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS
This website provides 5 different recordings to walk you through breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness/meditation.

RELAXATION RESOURCES (LOYOLA UNIVERSITY - MARYLAND / COUNSELING CENTER)
This extensive relaxation site, developed by the counselors at Loyola University, includes audio and video recordings, useful apple and android apps, and links to more than a dozen useful sites.

RELAXATION RECORDINGS (BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY / COUNSELING & PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES)
The BYU Counseling and Psychological Services website provides explanations, tutorials, and downloads for 8 relaxation techniques.

RELAXATION DOWNLOADS (DARTMOUTH COLLEGE / STUDENT WELLNESS CENTER)
Dartmouth's Health Promotion and Wellness website offers soothing music audio files in addition to various relaxation exercises.

MINDFULNESS ACTIVITIES & GUIDED MEDITATIONS (IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY /  STUDENT COUNSELING SERVICES / MIND/BODY SPA) 
Select from 3 different types of calming exercises to download:  guided imagery and relaxation, healing and self-reflection, or mindfulness.

REDUCING PHYSICAL TENSION (ASSERT YOURSELF MODULE 5:  CENTRE FOR CLINICAL INTERVENTIONS / WESTERN AUSTRALIA)
This training document helps you identify physical tension in your body and walks you through several relaxation techniques.

MEDITATION TO HELP WITH PANIC ATTACKS  (KAISER PERMANENTE PODCAST)
This podcast includes 4 different audio recordings that might help anxious individuals who experience panic attacks.