Journal 

Due Date: Sunday at 11:59 pm of Unit 5
Points: 100

Overview:

You will take the Personal Report of Public Speaking Anxiety (PRPSA) in MindTap,
reflect on your results in a brief 2-3 minute video journal. Were you surprised at your
results? Do they match how you feel about public speaking? What tips or tricks have
worked for you to overcome any fear you may have had about public speaking? How
are you feeling about the upcoming speech presentation? Is there anything in particular
that worries you the most about the speech?

Instructions:

In your video Journal address the following:

• Were you surprised at your results?
• Do they match how you feel about public speaking?
• What tips or tricks have worked for you to overcome any fear you may have had

about public speaking?
• How are you feeling about the upcoming speech presentation?
• Is there anything in particular that worries you the most about the speech?

MindTap Tools:

• You will record and save your speech in MindTap:
o Click on the MindTap Content folder link in the Unit.
o Choose “Video Journal: Overcoming Speaker Anxiety (Unit 5)” and record

and save your journal entry.
o Return to Unit 5 in Blackboard, click on the assignment, and type ”Done”

in the box for it to be graded.
• You will then go to the Unit 5 Discussion and discuss your results with the class.

Tips and Guidelines:

• Pay attention to your presentation style. Be sure to speak loudly and clearly so
the audience can hear you.

COM107: Introduction to Communication

Unit 5 Video Journal: Overcoming Speaker Anxiety

• Record your video in a small, quiet space with plenty of light and be sure there is
no audio feedback on the recording.

• Position yourself in the center of the frame so your facial expressions and other
body language are in clear view.

• Think about your appearance. Dress appropriately for your speech, like you
would in a classroom environment.

• Pay attention to the time requirements and stay within the limits.
• Prepare your speech and practice it a few times before submitting.

Requirements:

• Video length: 2-3 minutes
• Speak clearly and concisely.

Be sure to read the criteria by which your work will be evaluated before you write
and again after you write.

Evaluation Rubric for Unit 5 Video Journal

CRITERIA Deficient Needs Improvement Proficient Exemplary

(0-8 Points) (9-11 Points) (12-14 Points) (15 Points)
Statements of if
you were
surprised at the
results

The statement is
missing or poorly
defined.

The statement is
present, but missing
key details.

The statement is
present, but
missing minor
details.

The statement is
well defined
including all
details.

Statement of if the
results match how
you feel about
public speaking

The statement is
missing or poorly
defined.
The statement is
present, but missing
key details.
The statement is
present, but
missing minor
details.
The statement is
well defined
including all
details.

Shares tips and
tricks for
overcoming fears
about public
speaking

There are no tips
and tricks offered or
are poorly defined.

The tips and tricks
presented may or
may not be effective
in overcoming
anxiety or may not
be easy be easy to
remember.

The tips and tricks
are effective.

The tips and tricks
are effective and
simple to use and
remember in
overcoming
speaker anxiety
and presented in a
confident manner.

Statements on
feeling on
upcoming speech
and any worries
you may have

The statements are
missing or poorly
defined.

The statements are
present, but missing
key details.

The statements are
present, but
missing minor
details.

The statements are
well defined
including all
details.

(0-5 Points) (6-7 Points) (8-9 Points) (10 Points)
Dressed
appropriately

Speaker is not
appropriately
dressed as if
presenting in a
classroom setting.

N/A N/A

Speaker is
appropriately
dressed as if
presenting in a
classroom setting.

Adequate lighting Video is very dark or
far too bright.
Speaker is not
distinguishable from
the background.

Video is viewable
but is somewhat
dark or too bright.
Speaker is
somewhat
distinguishable from
the background.

Video is viewable
but is slightly dark
or slightly bright.
Speaker is
distinguishable
from the
background.

Video has very well
balanced lighting
and visually clear.
Speakerstands out
well from the
background.

Adequate voice
clarity and volume

Voice is not heard. Voice is not easily
heard and words
are not articulated
well.

Voice is heard but
words may or may
not be articulated
well.

Voice is clearly
heard and words
are articulated well.

Video time length Less than 2 or more
than 3 minutes.

N.A N/A More than 2 and
less than 3
minutes.