| It is common for many of us to ask commitments for future responsibilities and then do whatever we can to avoid the deed and the day of reckoning. There are many situations that have both desirable and undesirable features. We may enjoy being at the beach but dislike the arduous trip to the beach. Attending an athletic event may be highly enjoyable, but not the necessary travel to and from the stadium. If an event is far enough away, our wishes to participate may dominate our behaviour, and so we may make a positive commitment regarding the event. AS the time for the event approaches, so do our counter inclinations relative to it. Then, avoidance behaviour is increased, and we may look for ways out. |
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We believe that there is a tenable analogy between approach-avoidance behaviour in general, and reactions to public speaking situations in particular. Many persons who have a choice about accepting or refusing public speaking engagements are likely to accept them if the time is not too near. The wish to speak – to perform and to impress – dominates the drives, and determines |
| the immediate behaviour-acceptance of an engagement. As the time for speaking draws closer, then avoidance drives may set in. Unfortunately, such drives may result in a failure to prepare for the speaking situation, and this may strengthen the avoidance drive, Theoretically, if speaker arrives at the time for the execution of his responsibilities with approach and avoidance equal in strength, he is in a state of impasse. If circumstances, or his conscience or his sense of responsibility, result in strengthening the approach, he may meet his commitment but possibly without adequate preparation and with shaky confidence in the performance to come. The result maybe more avoidance on the next occasion and possibly more conflict, and with this state, an increased likelihood for a severe case of stage frights. |
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