Dog therapy for speech fright is an innovative idea presented by Bonnie Auslander, a seasoned public speaking coach and the director of the Kogod Center for Business Communications, in her article for the New York Times. Auslander advocates for practicing speaking in front of dogs to help individuals manage their performance anxiety. While this concept certainly piques interest, it prompts a deeper inquiry into the tangible benefits it offers.
The Three Factors Behind Speech Fright
In my exploration of performance anxiety, as outlined in “The Three Factors Behind Speech Fright,” I identify primary conditions that contribute to this phenomenon.
First, the speaker presents in front of an audience. The very act of standing before others can evoke a sense of vulnerability. This situation transforms a simple act of communication into a high-stakes performance where the speaker feels scrutinized. Whether the audience consists of a few close friends or a large group of strangers, the dynamics of presenting in front of others can trigger significant apprehension.
Second, there is an element of judgment from that audience or at least the perception of being judged. This judgment can come in various forms—through facial expressions, body language, or even the audience’s silence. Speakers often imagine the audience’s thoughts, creating a heightened self-consciousness. This perception of judgment can stem from previous experiences, cultural expectations, or personal insecurities, further exacerbating the nerves involved in public speaking.
Third, this judgment must be viewed as a threat. The fear that the audience will evaluate or criticize the presentation can lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. This perceived threat can trigger a “fight or flight” response, causing physiological reactions such as increased heart rate, shallow breathing, and muscle tension. When a speaker internalizes this threat, it can create a vicious cycle: The fear of judgment leads to a decline in performance, reinforcing the fear itself.
Understanding these three factors can help in developing strategies to manage performance anxiety. By recognizing the dynamics at play and reframing the perception of the audience’s judgment, individuals may find ways to reduce anxiety and enhance their public speaking skills.
Dog Therapy for Speech Fright
Speaking in front of dogs might alleviate some anxiety—they provide an unjudging presence—but it may not sufficiently address the nuanced emotional layers involved in public speaking. The crux of the issue is the audience’s judgment, which can be a significant source of fear. While comforting, dogs are not substitutes for understanding the social dynamics and potential repercussions of human judgment.
Furthermore, much of Auslander’s support for this technique relies on anecdotal evidence rather than robust, empirical research. While I fully embrace the therapeutic benefits dogs can bring to stress relief and emotional support—I can attest to this through my family puppy, Mimi.
But Auslander’s method seems to be missing a crucial element that effectively parallels the authentic challenges speakers face.
A holistic approach that combines the comforting presence of dogs and strategies to confront real audience judgment will yield better results in overcoming speech fright.
Mimi, resident canine therapist in the Fish home
(Her name means “ear” in Japanese. We named her that because she’s got that one ear stuck up in the air 98% of the time.)
