Public Speaking Anxiety Test (PRPSA)
Test for Evaluation of Fear of Public Speaking
The Public Speaking Anxiety Test (PRPSA) is one of the most widely used and reliable psychological tools for measuring anxiety related specifically to speaking in front of an audience. Developed by James McCroskey, the PRPSA helps you understand how intense your fear or discomfort is when you are required to speak publicly.
How anxious are you when you have to speak in public? Let’s find out!
Instructions
Below you will find 34 statements that people sometimes make about themselves. Please indicate how much you agree with each statement using the scale below:
- 1 – Strongly disagree
- 2 – Disagree
- 3 – Neutral
- 4 – Agree
- 5 – Strongly agree
How Can the Public Speaking Anxiety Test Help You?
The Public Speaking Anxiety Test provides several benefits for anyone who wants to evaluate and improve their ability to speak in front of an audience. Among its main advantages are:
-
Personal Anxiety Assessment
It helps you identify your specific level of anxiety related to public speaking. -
Performance Improvement
By understanding the aspects that make you feel anxious, you can work on them and improve your overall performance. -
Guidance for Interventions
The test can guide you toward treatment options or anxiety-management techniques tailored to your needs. -
Increased Self-Awareness
It enhances your self-awareness and helps you better understand your emotional and physical reactions during public speaking situations.
How to Use the Public Speaking Anxiety Test
To complete the Public Speaking Anxiety Test, follow these simple steps:
-
Access the Test Page
Go to the dedicated test page on our website. -
Read the Instructions
Make sure you carefully read all the instructions before beginning the test. -
Complete the Test
Respond to all 34 statements related to your experiences and feelings about public speaking. Here are a few sample statements:- “As I prepare for a speech, I feel tense and nervous.”
- “I feel anxious when I see the words ‘speech’ or ‘public speaking’ in a course outline.”
- “My thoughts become confused and jumbled when I give a speech.”
- “After giving a speech, I feel that I have had a pleasant experience.”
- “I become anxious just thinking about an upcoming speech.”
-
Submit Your Answers
After responding to all items, submit your answers for evaluation. -
Review Your Results
You will receive your score along with an interpretation that helps you understand your level of public speaking anxiety. -
Take Action Based on Your Results
Depending on your score, you may want to:- seek help from a psychologist,
- learn anxiety-reduction techniques,
- begin a structured treatment program,
- or practice public speaking in a safe, guided environment.
Find Out Your Level of Public Speaking Anxiety
Ready to assess your fear of public speaking?
Complete the Public Speaking Anxiety Test (PRPSA) below and discover more about your personal anxiety profile when speaking in front of an audience.
Start now and take the first step toward improving your communication skills and feeling more confident on stage.
Evaluation of Fear of Public Speaking
This assessment is designed to help you understand your level of anxiety related to public speaking. It is not a diagnostic tool. Please consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis.
While preparing for giving a speech, I feel tense and nervous.
1/34
I feel tense when I see the words "speech" and "public speech" on a course outline when studying.
2/34
My thoughts become confused and jumbled when I am giving a speech.
3/34
Right after giving a speech I feel that I have had a pleasant experience.
4/34
I get anxious when I think about a speech coming up.
5/34
I have no fear of giving a speech.
6/34
Although I am nervous just before starting a speech, I soon settle down after starting and feel calm and comfortable.
7/34
I look forward to giving a speech.
8/34
When the instructor announces a speaking assignment in class, I can feel myself getting tense.
9/34
My hands tremble when I am giving a speech.
10/34
I feel relaxed while giving a speech.
11/34
I enjoy preparing for a speech.
12/34
I am in constant fear of forgetting what I prepared to say.
13/34
I get anxious if someone asks me something about my topic that I don't know.
14/34
I face the prospect of giving a speech with confidence.
15/34
I feel that I am in complete possession of myself while giving a speech.
16/34
My mind is clear when giving a speech.
17/34
I do not dread giving a speech.
18/34
I perspire just before starting a speech.
19/34
My heart beats very fast just as I start a speech.
20/34
I experience considerable anxiety while sitting in the room just before my speech starts.
21/34
Certain parts of my body feel very tense and rigid while giving a speech.
22/34
Realizing that only a little time remains in a speech makes me very tense and anxious.
23/34
While giving a speech, I know I can control my feelings of tension and stress.
24/34
I breathe faster just before starting a speech.
25/34
I feel comfortable and relaxed in the hour or so just before giving a speech.
26/34
I do poorer on speeches because I am anxious.
27/34
I feel anxious when the teacher announces the date of a speaking assignment.
28/34
When I make a mistake while giving a speech, I find it hard to concentrate on the parts that follow.
29/34
During an important speech I experience a feeling of helplessness building up inside me.
30/34
I have trouble falling asleep the night before a speech.
31/34
My heart beats very fast while I present a speech.
32/34
I feel anxious while waiting to give my speech.
33/34
While giving a speech, I get so nervous I forget facts I really know.
34/34