When is a speaker most likely to experience public speaking anxiety?

The most likely time for a speaker to experience public speaking anxiety is during the delivery phase. This is when the speaker is actively presenting their material to an audience. The pressure of performing in front of others can trigger feelings of nervousness and fear, as the speaker is aware that they are being evaluated by their audience. This phase is particularly critical because it involves not only conveying information effectively but also managing one's own emotional responses while facing an audience.

In contrast, before starting to prepare, a speaker might not feel the weight of the situation or the anxiety that comes with actual delivery because they are not yet engaged in the speaking process. During practice, speakers often develop their skills and become more familiar with their content, which can reduce anxiety as they gain confidence. The confrontation phase is not a specific term commonly associated with the process of public speaking anxiety, and it doesn’t directly relate to the stages speakers go through during preparation and presentation. Thus, the delivery phase is where anxiety is most pronounced due to the immediate nature of presenting to an audience.