One uncertainty speakers face in public speaking is how the audience will respond to their ideas.

Relect on situations in which you think an audience might reject your ideas. How might fear of rejection lead you to avoid possible speech topics? What might be some positive aspects of such avoidance? What might be the drawbacks of avoiding possible speech topics?

4. he spotlight effect suggests that speakers overestimate how much others notice their actions. Consider recent public speaking situations, such as a classroom lecture or a presentation at work, in which you’ve been an audience member. Describe the speaker’s attire and mannerisms, gestures, voice, main ideas, and other speech content. How observant were you? What are the implications of the spotlight effect? Are audience members not observant enough? Or are speakers too worried about themselves and how they appear to others?