The amount of anxiety a person feels before giving a speech is referred to as which of the following?

The amount of anxiety a person feels before giving a speech is termed "anticipation reaction." This concept refers to the feelings of nervousness or anxiety that arise when a speaker anticipates an upcoming speaking engagement. Such feelings are common as they reflect the body's natural response to a situation perceived as high-stakes or performance-oriented, where the individual may worry about their ability to communicate effectively, how the audience will react, or the outcomes of the speech.

Anticipation reaction typically occurs in the lead-up to the speech, as preparation and the proximity of the speaking event can heighten emotions. Understanding this concept is crucial for speakers as it can help them recognize their feelings of anxiety, acknowledge that such feelings are normal, and develop strategies to manage them effectively.

In contrast, context-based apprehension refers to anxiety related to specific settings or situations where speaking occurs, while traitlike apprehension involves a person's general predisposition to experience anxiety across all speaking contexts. Adaptation reaction relates to the body's physiological adjustment to stressors over time rather than to the initial surge of anxiety before a specific event. Therefore, the understanding of anticipation reaction provides vital insight for speakers dealing with pre-speech anxiety.