When does public speaking apprehension typically peak in the speaking process?

Public speaking apprehension usually peaks during the confrontation phase, which is the moment when the speaker actually delivers their speech to an audience. This phase is characterized by heightened anxiety and nervousness as the speaker faces the audience and steps into the spotlight. During this time, the speaker is not only concerned with how they will perform but also with the audience's potential reactions, making it a crucial moment of anxiety.

In contrast, the preparation phase often involves initial feelings of uncertainty or worry about how to structure the speech and prepare effectively, but these feelings may not be as intense as during the actual delivery. The delivery phase concerns the actions taken while presenting, which may initially heighten anxiety but tends to stabilize once the speaker starts engaging with the audience. The reflection phase occurs after the speaking event has concluded, where individuals evaluate their performance, often leading to a sense of relief or newfound confidence regarding their skills. This evaluation period tends not to invoke the same level of apprehension as the confrontation phase, where the immediate challenges of delivering the speech arise. Thus, it is during the confrontation phase that public speaking apprehension is at its highest.