Communication Apprehension

Communication apprehension is the fear of communicating with others. It represents a substantial area of inquiry in communication research and covers a broad area of study of the human communication experience, not limited to analysis by communication scholars alone. It has been examined in a variety of contexts utilizing various methodological approaches and analyses. Encompassing all types of communication experiences, communication apprehension is both real and imagined, based upon negative past experiences, fear of the unknown, and lack of confidence. Although not limited to public speaking situations, oral presentations undoubtedly pose one of [Page 178]the most threatening and widely known catalysts for communication apprehension.

Consider the following situations: entering a classroom on the first day of the semester, being called on to answer a question in class, attending a meeting, working on a team project, being interviewed for a job, being asked on a date or doing the asking, sending a text, or delivering a speech. Each of these scenarios can cause or contribute to communication apprehension. Communication apprehension can occur in any and all communication situations: those that exist within the classroom, workplace, family, social circle, intimate relationships, and society, at large. Communication apprehension comes in a variety of forms and is referred to in scholarly literature in a number of different ways. It is experienced by everyone at some time in some version. The fear can be debilitating, problematic, and embarrassing, yet research and scholarship in the field offer understanding and perspective and suggest ways to effectively manage communication apprehension.

This entry presents an overview of the early study of communication apprehension and touches upon its commonality, universality, and applicability among a wide range of people and academic disciplines. The entry also conducts an in-depth analysis of various methodologies used when researching communication apprehension. The entry concludes with an examination of the benefits of communication apprehension research.