A person who becomes anxious during any type of public speech but is outgoing among peers likely suffers from which communication apprehension?

The correct answer is related to the notion of context-based communication apprehension. This type of apprehension refers to the anxiety a person feels based on the specific circumstances in which they are speaking. In this scenario, the individual may be naturally outgoing and comfortable when speaking in familiar, low-stakes environments such as casual conversations with peers, but experiences a heightened level of anxiety in specific situations, like formal public speaking engagements.

Context-based communication apprehension is influenced by factors such as the setting of the speech, the size of the audience, the formality of the event, and the nature of the topic being addressed. Therefore, the distinction lies in understanding that the individual’s discomfort is not a general trait but arises in particular contexts that differ from their normal interactions. This reinforces the idea that the individual can be an effective communicator in appropriate settings but struggles when the context shifts to public speaking scenarios.