Graduation Year
2013
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
M.A.
Degree Granting Department
Child and Family Studies
Major Professor
Raymond G. Miltenberger, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Kimberly Crosland, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Sarah Bloom, Ph.D.
Keywords
applied behavior analysis, habits, public speaking, simplified habit reversal
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Public speaking is a challenge faced by people from all walks of life. Research in the area of public speaking has focused on examining techniques to reduce public speaking anxiety. Very little research, however, has focused on the acquisition of public speaking skills. While presenting speeches, many people engage in nervous habits that have the potential to decrease the effectiveness of the speech and their credibility as a speaker. This study evaluated the effectiveness of simplified habit reversal in reducing three of these nervous habits: filled pauses, tongue clicking, and inappropriate use of the word like. Following baseline, participants received simplified habit reversal training that consisted of awareness training and competing response training. During post-intervention assessments all 6 participants exhibited an immediate decrease in all three target behaviors.
Scholar Commons Citation
Mancuso, Carolyn Joanne, "Using Habit Reversal to Decrease Filled Pauses and Nervous Habits in Public Speaking" (2013). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/5066
